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People of Kennett Square–Estelle Tracy

May 11, 2015 blogger, business, food, French, people, photography, portrait, Story

I met Estelle through Instagram. She is a French food blogger. Her blog called ” le hamburger et le croissant” , I have to say it’s such a wonderful name. It reflects the food culture between France and America.

Tell me about your blog, how did it start? And how has it developed?

I started my blog in 2004 after reading an article in Gourmet magazine that featured five food blogs. I had no idea what a blog was, so I asked my husband who described it to me as some kind of online diary. I was intrigued, so I checked one of the blogs mentioned in the article, Chocolate & Zucchini (http://chocolateandzucchini.com/), written by a young French lady in Paris. Her blog introduced me to many other food blogs and, before I knew it, I was hooked! I had never read about food in such an approachable and engaging way. I was just learning to cook and loved that I could ask my questions directly to the recipe developer.

Reading food blogs soon became part of my morning routine until one day I thought: why not start one myself? At the time, I did not have much opportunity to speak French and the lack of practice was having bad consequences on my French skills: I was having difficulty finding my words and remembering the spelling of some words. So I looked for a blogging platform and started posting in French. If anything, I thought it would be a good way to practice writing.

Very early, I started posting about food and recipes. I had a little webcam that I would use to take photos. I would post about my farmers market discoveries, from the huge Brandywine tomatoes to the overgrown zucchini I would find at some vendor stands. It was exhilarating to think people from all over the world had the ability to read my posts. At the beginning, my family and friends in France were my only blog readers but, after a few weeks, I started reading comments from complete strangers. One year after I first started posting, I met my first reader in person, who went on to become one of my closest friends.

11 years after I started my blog, my goal remained the same: practice writing in French, while showing people how good American food can be. This led me to release a food survival guide for French people in the US (https://gumroad.com/l/AsVgQ) last month, which has been getting great feedback from its first readers.

You blog has a very interesting name: le hamburger et le croissant, where does the name come from?

When my American husband and I got married, we were looking for different way to represent our two cultures. After a little brainstorming, we decided to have a hamburger and a croissant sitting on a plate as the centerpiece of each reception table. This definitely got the guests talking! When I looked for a name for my blog, I was again looking for something that would capture the blending of our two cultures. I thought of our centerpieces and named the blog “le hamburger et le croissant!”

Who is your target audience?

As much as I want to be read, I first write for me, because writing helps me organize my thoughts and process my emotions. I also post for my mom because she is the first person with whom I want to share my recipes. Today, when I post a text I am especially proud of, I always email her to ask what she thought. Thankfully, though, I have other readers beside my mom, whom I see as like-minded people: easy-going food lovers, who enjoy their weekly trip to the farmers market, cook simple meals for their families, and meet their friends for coffee.

How long have you been lived in Kennett Square? How does it feel like to live here?

I have been living in Kennett Square for almost ten years and I love it a little more every day. This small town is home to so many talented artists and artisans who never stop to inspire me. The food here is also incredible. Talula’s Table always surprises me with fresh and amazing flavor combination (their coconut hummus was amazing, I miss it a lot) and Philter Coffee serves the best coffee around. Byrsa Bistro makes stuffed grape leaves as good as my mom’s and Sovana’s Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I feel very grateful to live in such an amazing town.

What are your plans for the future?

After leaving my corporate job two months ago, I am busy reinventing a life that is both professionally and personally fulfilling. I want to continue writing and I am currently working on a French cookbook. I’d also like to keep working with small companies, developing a marketing and social media strategy to let the world know about their awesome products. I love supporting small businesses but it is not always easy to hear about them in the first place.

No matter what, though, as long as my life involves a lot of lattes and a few slices of homemade cake, I will be pretty happy.

People of kennett Square–Emily and Andrew

Emily and Andrew are the owners of Tribe Beauty Culture. They create a boutique style hair , makeup and workshop place. It’s not a normal salon, you will enjoy your visit in a stylish environment and relaxing atmosphere.

Where is the name Tribe come from ?

Tribe started off with my sister and I wanting to make an impact. We were the original Tribe, a couple each with our own skills—hair and makeup. The idea was to create a culture of beauty, where we empower clients to recreate the same looks and styles from Tribe with the knowledge, technique, and tools. Since we started, my sister has had to relocate and Tribe has become a husband and wife team. We are still very much a “Tribe“. We started off small with big ideas, and every time a new client walks in the door, it’s important they feel they are a part of the Tribe.

What is the difference between Tribe and other hair Salon?

Tribe is different from other salons in the sense that our clients gain an intimate a personal experience each time they come in. They are given the attention they deserve in a relaxing setting that feels unlike any hair salon they’ve ever visited. Our stylists are amazing and skilled and focus on giving each client the knowledge they need to recreate looks and styles. We keep it simple—great hair and beautiful makeup.

Every one loves Tribe’s interior design. You have very unique vision about interior design, where do you get your ideas?

Andrew and I both believe very much in inspiration and creating a story with Tribe’s environment. My background is visual design and merchandising while Andrew’s is graphic design. We are able to work together and utilize our strengths to create a dynamic setting. The short answer—it seems to just come natural to us!

How do you feel like having two jobs?

Andrew and I both work full-time jobs. Balancing that with Tribe can sometimes be stressful but also exciting. Tribe is our passion and if you love what you do, it never feels like work!

Can you give some tips about how to do quick&easy everyday makeup?

Keep it simple. Start with a good foundation, literally. Invest in great skin care because thats where it all starts. Must haves for flawless complexion are a great foundation, killer mascara and a great lipstick.

TAGS: beauty, makeup

People of Kennett Square–Meredith Langer

March 27, 2015 art, artist, business, Calligraphy, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

I found Meredith through Instagram. She is an amazing multitalented artist. We met at her house in town, it’s a place full of her design elements. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. She showed me her work, and her unique tea dye business card. I absolutely love her work!!! We talked about everything, travel, art, cat, camera, food …etc. She has the most beautiful smile and great personality. I borrowed these words from her Instagram’s profile:” |sign maker | freelance calligrapher & artist | yarn spinner | dreamer |photographic documenter | proudly Pennsylvanian”.

What was your dream job as a child?

As far as I can remember, I always wanted to be a teacher. When I was little I had my own pretend classroom with a giant chalkboard & would talk to imaginary students for hours. Funny that now I’m still writing on chalkboards!

Were you always interested in art? how did you start the calligraphy?

I always had a huge respect for all different forms of art. I started calligraphy out of necessity; I had to make some signs for a client through terrain. Terrain is one of those places where you don’t say no to clients…you create what they want, even if it is out of your comfort zone. This project was painting names on 5 foot canvas for a wedding. Than the next project was a seating chart that was painted on glass. After that I loved analyzing each stroke of a letter & how to make them better.

How did you start become known for your work?

I really have to thank Instagram. I have found countless amount of jobs through word of mouth//friend of a friend that saw something I did on Instagram. I actually have to thank this application for a lot of things: I have found clients, made new friends, workshop attendees, & most recently found a new roommate through Instagram. I wouldn’t be having this conversation right now if it wasn’t for Jie finding me through Instagram.

What do you dream of doing in the future?

I definitely want to travel more! Traveling always helps me to shift my inspiration. I would also love to have an online shop where I sell custom products: stamps, wood burnings, cards…

What would be your best advice to aspiring calligrapher?

Play & have fun! Do not feel like every move is permeant or right/wrong…every stroke has a purpose. Also, get inspired! Find something that you admire & try to copy it with your own spin on it.

Check her website for more information: www.merelymere.com

People of Kennett Square–Patricia Maristch

March 23, 2015 business, Fashion, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

When I started my project last year, this girl emailed me said she would love to be part of my project. I found her job is quite interesting. This is Patricia, she is the founder of Piqued PR–a full service boutique PR agency .

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

The first thing I remember ever wanting to be when I was younger was a dance teacher. I grew up taking ballet, tap, jazz, etc. so my dream was to one day own a studio. Then there were years in high school where I thought I wanted to own a clothing boutique. Finally in college I decided upon PR. What stayed the same through all the years was my desire to be an entrepreneur and work creatively.

When and how did you start your business?

I started Piqued PR in spring of 2013. I worked at an agency in center city and freelanced on the side with lifestyle clients. Eventually I transitioned these freelance clients into Piqued PR!

Where is the name Piqued come from?

I love a good word, especially one that starts with “P”. Piqued generally means to catch someone’s interest, essentially that’s what I’m doing for my clients… piquing the interest of press and consumers for them.

What do you find the most rewarding about your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs get the attention they deserve by helping consumers discover them through social media and various publications. I feel like I help them achieve their goals, all while they allow me to live my dream too!

Can you give some social media marketing tips?

It’s all about visuals! Make sure you use the same filter in all you pictures and try to have at least one of your brand’s colors make it into everything you post. Also, interact with your followers and fans, ask questions, comment back, etc. It shouldn’t be a one way conversation.

People of Kennett Square–Zvezdana Scott

March 19, 2015 art, artist, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, street, Style, Uncategorized

Zvezdana, people also call her Stella. She is the owner of Mala Galleria. I like her gallery. It gives some fresh air to this little town. The first time I went there, I asked her to be part of my “people of kennett square”‘s project. The next day I got a email from her, she said she wanted do a exhibit about my project. I was thrilled!!! I couldn’t believe I could have my first exhibit here. Thank you! Stella, I’m so grateful for this opportunity.

What did you do before you open Mala Galleria?

I ran a Washington DC based humanitarian non- profit organization dealing with the post-war consequences, post- flood needs and soup kitchens in Serbia. I also organized many events, exhibits, film festivals etc. I still do all of that.

What made you decide to open a gallery?

I always wanted to do that. Where I come from, art is everywhere. I grew up with art, music, theater…I was somehow always surrounded by artists and I saw myself in this world.

How do you choose your artists?

I visit lots of art shows, find artists online, sometimes someone recommends them to me, or artists see the gallery and they visit because they like the work I exhibit. I exhibit 27 local artists at the moment, and several international.

Why did you choose Kennett square?

I always searched for the perfect little town to open the gallery in. When we moved to the area 4 years ago and I saw the downtown Kennett Square, I knew I found it. Beautiful, historic downtown with nice people. It was perfect!

What was the most memorable piece you have ever sold?

My first piece I sold, on the first day I opened the gallery. It was an antique, by Julien Celos (1884-1953), a Belgian visual artist. It was a good luck charm!

Learn more about Mala Galleria, check the website here: http://www.malagalleria.com/

People of Kennett Square–Jan Geddes

March 16, 2015 art, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style, Uncategorized

Let’s meet Jan, she is the owner of Brick Garage/Pack rats Place, It currently houses a selection of antiques, furniture, accessories and design elements.

The first time I went to Jan’s shop was at Halloween last year. She decorated her shop as ” haunted house” , It was creative, scary and fun!

I love her collections, her shop looks like a mini museum. If you ever come to Kennett Square, you have to check her store, it’s a must see place.

When did you start collecting?

Have always treasured things I love that bring fond memories. Started shopping

estate sales around 1990 to find great quality items at better prices to decorate

my home. Found them and more until my storage was overflowing. I needed a

better way to share my bargains and thus” Pack Rats Place” was born so I could

pass my bargains on to my friends.

When and how did you open the shop?

In 2003 saw a unique brick garage in the charming Borough of Kennett Square

which was originally built in 1934 as Young’s Garage and then was George’s

Plumbing for 37 years. Here I saw an opportunity to create a perfect space to

share my finds.

As I had spent over 20 years doing construction projects for myself, I tackled the

shop renovation and preservation of its place in Kennett’s history with a helper

and codes supervision.

During that progress, there occurred some personal tragedies over a period of

time that caused a several year delay in opening the shop, but having the “Brick

Garage”, gave me the incentive to persevere.

Where did the name “Pack Rats Place” come from?

Well, the condensed definition of pack rat is: “…noted for its habit of collecting

bright, shiny objects….and stores the objects it collects to decorate it’s nest…”. It

fits me and all the other pack rats out there to a tee!

Why did you pick Kennett Square?

It was the wonderful brickwork of the building, charm of the location, potential

for economic development and proximity to the major visitor attraction of

Longwood Gardens.

Is there any interesting story about your items?

All the things in the shop have interesting stories. The patina of time enhances so

many things in different ways. Most people have cherished things over the years

and in reality want those items to find a home with someone who will love them

as much as they had. The Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place creates that ambiance for

those items with its eclectic feel. Enchanting Estate Finds, Tantalizing Treasures,

Antiques, Wonderful Whatevers and Odd Objects and Such, etc. are combined

in a rabbit warren of rooms, grounded by a roaring fireplace in the “inside-outside

room” to give those heirlooms a place to shine until they move on to create new

memories. The setting is the main attraction and the inventory of recycled/reused

items changes through time. There are several events to attract people to the

shop, since once they visit they usually return, such as the annual Brick Garage

Haunted House and this past year, the KSQ Candlelight Holiday Home Tour.

Thrilled to be able to share the experience of the shop with others and participate

in Kennett Square community activities!

Find more information about Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place here: http://www.thebrickgarage.com/

People of Kennett Square–Tara Dugan

March 7, 2015 art, business, people, photography, portrait, Story, Style

This is Tara –owner of Scout and Annie Vintage Furniture and accessories shop. After I moved to Kennett Square, her shop is one of my hangout place, I like to go there check everything that she collected.I love her style, and dream one day my home will full of her furniture.

What did you do before you open Scout &Annie?

Before Scout & Annie, I was an attorney. I loved it, but I meet much friendlier people now.

How you got into this business? and what’s the meaning of Scout & Annie?

I started off by doing shows like Clover Market and the Brooklyn Flea Market. I did well and was having fun, so took space in the West End Garage in Cape May. That was a great experience, and I was inspired to go further and open a permanent shop. Kennett Square is home, and it also happens to be a great downtown, so opening Scout & Annie on State Street was the obvious choice. I have been open in Kennett Square since summer 2011.

Scout & Annie are the family dogs. People sometimes ask if Scout & Annie are my kids, or call my husband “Scott” and me “Annie”. And we answer to it.

Where do you find your stuff?

The furniture and accessories in the shop come from many different sources, mostly people who contact me when they or a family member are downsizing. I also have great relationships with other dealers who feed mid century modern gems to me.

What do you love most about vintage furniture?

I love the timeless nature of vintage furniture, particularly mid century and Danish modern styles. Clean lines, great materials, innovative design and quality construction mean that these pieces retain their classic appeal and live in your home as stylishly as they did half a century ago. I think the recent recession reminded everyone about the importance of quality pieces that retain their value and usefulness. There is a whole new generation moving into their own homes that has fallen in love with classic modern design, and they want vintage, not new. Makes sense, as the milennials have been raised “green”, and vintage is a far more ecologically sound choice than new. Just like restaurants with local menus, I make it a point to source as much as possible locally, which means no shipping or manufacturing resources/waste. And not only is it perfect re-use, using vintage and salvage in your decor means your can put your unique stamp on your home.

Can you give some tips about how to choose vintage furniture?

You can find great vintage in so many places – thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets. I recommend heading out early and carrying cash. You can politely negotiate, particularly if you are buying more than one item. If you see something you love, don’t hesitate – it probably won’t be there when you return after “thinking about it”. If you love an upholstered frame but hate the fabric, consider investing in professional reupholstery. Costly, but a relative steal for a customized, quality piece. And this is quirky but you’ll thank me later : SMELL the piece. Yes, open the drawer and stick your head in there and ignore the funny looks. Good wood smells nice or not at all, but avoid anything musty or reeking of cigarettes – this will not “air out”. This is especially important at an outdoor market where stink may be harder to detect in the fresh air.