3 minute read
Living and Working with Style
Building a home and business in Downtown York, with Victoria Kageni Woodward of GUSA by Victoria
BY MEGAN KREISER | ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS
“We can create the kind of atmosphere and space that we need for ourselves. No matter how small it may be, you can create and customize your space with things right in your backyard,” shares Victoria Kageni Woodard.
With a passion and an eye for interior design, Victoria’s Courthouse Commons Afro-centric home reflects her Kenyan heritage. “My home is a lot like a museum,” she explains. The fabric for her curtains and customupholstered furniture, sculptures, and artwork are all from Africa.
Victoria chose to live in Downtown York to be where all the action is. When the new Courthouse Commons condominiums opened up, she jumped at the chance to be so close to her shop, GUSA by Victoria, located at 46 Duke St. The convenience of being near her shop meant she could make sure it was open no matter if it rains or snows. In GUSA by Victoria, you will find the use of Kenyan fabrics in all of her clothes, as well as the ability to order a custom piece. Most recently, she designed a piece worn to the Oscars for the guest of York native and Oscar award winner, Erin Owens
Being in Downtown York has opened many doors for Victoria, not only locally but across the country. From clients visiting her store to networking at local events, she’s connected with people from all walks of life that she wouldn’t have met before. This allows her to share her culture as well, and as a self-appointed Kenyan ambassador for York City, Victoria is curating pieces that are all things Kenyan – from coffee and teas to fabrics, and more.
Victoria enjoys the walkability to the Yorktowne Hotel from her condo and shop, as well as shopping at Bound Books and other merchants. As someone who prides herself on sustainability, Refillism is one of Victoria’s personal favorite Downtown York merchants. When she needs a bite to eat, she frequents Hamir’s Indian Fusion, as “the spices he uses remind me of my upbringing.”
As a soon-to-be empty nester, Victoria thrives living in Downtown York and enjoys expressing her creativity and heritage not only in her storefront but also in her home.
