One of the benefits of shopping with other people's money is meeting their needs. I love helping others and I love setting them up for success. Today started with a trip to my usual grocery stores, Food Lion in Southside and Martin's and Kroger in Carytown but then I got to go to my favorite boutique grocery stores, The Yellow Umbrella on Patterson Avenue and Fresh Market in Carytown.
Fresh Market in Carytown rocks because they have great customer service (although their automated phone system leaves something to be desired--it never connects you to the right department!) and little samples of coffee by the front door--the perfect thing on a cold, just coming-off-of snow, RVA winter day! I have Fresh Market on speed-dial as I pre-order wraps for my client every Monday and Friday and I just walk up to the deli and they have my order ready. The best cashier, Kate, is always smiling and offers to help if needed! They are awesome!
The Yellow Umbrella rocks because the staff is so friendly and helpful! I've had consistently good service here. The guys are friendly and the selection is awesome! I got a pound of jumbo shrimp from North Carolina, shelled and deveined for $19 and a sweet, thick piece of Halibut fresh cut that morning, for $40. They always offer a bag of ice too, even when there's snow on the ground!
After I was finished with my shopping gig, I went by Epoch on Semmes Avenue, Southside VA, to turn in a couple of paintings before they Artisan's Evening tomorrow! I can't wait for the event and I love the owners Jake and Colena. I took a sugar skull and a more realistic skull in, so they should be a good contrast against some of my other pieces I have in there. They have awesome deals and right now they have some older red teak pieces. Today Colena picked up a super sweet 60s mod lighting fixture. It was so cool that she admitted, she hadn't really tested whether it worked or not! I begged her to hang it close to my painting, it was so cool.
Finally before heading home, I pass my beloved Nest on Semmes Avenue, Southside, VA. I love Nest. The owners Marcelo and Mark are awesome and have been so supportive throughout this retail experiment of mine. I've sold one large canvas piece there, several skulls and a Barbie Christmas ornament! Their store is so cool and filled with goodies from jewelry that Marcelo makes, to an Osiris Masonic sequined hat for less than $200--I so want it!
Whether you are visiting Richmond, VA or you live here, stop by these locations if you get a chance! They're that little bit of quirky and cool that makes RVA.
Whether you are visiting Richmond, VA or you live here, stop by these locations if you get a chance! They're that little bit of quirky and cool that makes RVA.
