Plum Goods

from Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations Spring/Summer 2020

by Santa Barbara Dining and Destinations

Reed Closets

1.

LILY LAMBERT beaded feather dreamer necklace with 14k gold beads.

Our best selling, great smelling candle line from local maker SB APOTHECARY CO.

2. One of our most popular items right now are these LED FLIP CLOCKS in all different woods.

7. So many GREAT BOOKS including this one that will inspire every surfer you know.

3.

We love this ECO EYEWEAR company for its blend of design, functionality and eco-friendly materials.

4. Something for everyone in our BABY SECTION, from the latest picture books to organic swaddles and linen rhinos.

6.

Unisex sterling, brass and gold jewelry from indy designer SAINT VAGABOND.

Fresh Bounty at Plum Goods

Amy Cooper opened her conscientiously-curated, sustainable lifestyle store Plum Goods over a decade ago, and it remains Santa Barbara’s go-to for handcrafted, upcycled, and local goods. The selection of gifts - home decor items, jewelry, accessories for men and women, and sweet toys, books, and goodies for wee ones - keeps the giving green. Here she shares a bit about merchandise with a mission, perfectly "Plum" playlists, and a few of her favorite things for the summer season.

What inspired you to launch Plum Goods nearly ten years ago? Santa Barbara was missing a gift store focused on handcrafted, eco-friendly, local gifts, and goods. My passion was less about selling things and more about creating an environment and an experience people would connect with.

How has it evolved since then? Our product variety has expanded with each year as we meet new artists from around the country and around the world. And we've also become well-known for our music, which I think is a huge part of the experience. We now even have our own Spotify channel!

What kind of experience should someone who has never been to your store expect when they walk through the door? To discover things they've never seen before, to feel welcome, and come away inspired by all of the makers, and the music. It's a one-of-a-kind Santa Barbara experience. Between the art, the customer service, the products, and the great playlists, there's a very distinctive Plum Goods vibe.

How do you go about curating such an eclectic cache of "eco-chic" goods? I am always on the lookout for new artists and makers at gift shows and online. I also browse through a variety of blogs and resources that have a similar focus on the goods we want. The focus is on items that have the right look and feel and are better for people and the planet.

What collection or item are you most coveting in the store right now? We get new lines every week so I'm always falling in love with something new. Currently, I love our eco-friendly ultra light weight sunglasses and readers, the clocks and speakers from the UK, and of course nothing else compares to the hand beaded jewelry from Lily Lambert. We have been her main boutique since 2011, and I am continually amazed by her artistry.

909 State Street • 805.845.3900 plumgoodsstore.com

intimo

HANRO BELLA NOTTE LA PERLA STUDIO

1046 COAST VILLAGE ROAD COAST VILLAGE CENTER MONTECITO 805.969.1515

#SHOPSMALL TALK 5 quick questions, with 1 local retailer.

In a world of big-box stores and corporate chains, our local business owners are working hard to preserve the distinctive character of Santa Barbara. These independent establishments reflect our community, bring variety to our retail experience, and vitality to our neighborhoods.

DINA MURILLO owner of ShineUp

Tell us about yourself and your business. I love living in Santa Barbara and being a small business owner. I moved here 11 years ago, and my “someday” place became home. I have two amazing grown sons who inspire and support me daily. When I’m not in the store, I am practicing hot yoga. This April, I will be celebrating the first birthday for ShineUP Men’s, and I couldn’t be more thrilled and proud.

How did you land in retail? I am a FIDM graduate and worked as an assistant buyer for a big retailer at the beginning of my career. I took some time away from retail to become a wife and mother, and then my focus turned to fitness. I went from studio owner to fitness trainer and, after a long career in fitness management, which had me traveling all over L.A., I eventually landed in Santa Barbara. I understand people and believe in superior customer service. People want to feel genuinely welcomed and appreciated regardless of the industry.

What is the best part of owning a business in Santa Barbara? Every day I meet new people, both residents, and visitors, who are discovering the Funk Zone. The vibe on Helena Avenue is so unique, and my retailer “neighbors” all support each other in the Funk Zone, and that feels like family! And what’s not to love about being half a block from the beach and within walking distance of some of the coolest shops, wine bars, and restaurants in town?

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Santa Barbara may hug the coast, but the casual beach lifestyle also means fully embracing a range of warm and earthy desert tones. Desert Neutrals

LET THE DESERT IN WITH SOFT SHADES OF SAND AND CHAPARRAL.

SUNSHINE YOU CAN WEAR - YES PLEASE.

DESERT-INSPIRED MOTIFES TO ILLUMINATE AND DECORATE.

1. Etched marble tile with painted gold glaze, Tileco. tilecodist.com 2. Abaca pendant lamp, Habitat Home & Garden. habitathomeandgarden.com 3. Organic body oil, The Shopkeepers. theshopkeepers-sb.com 4. All natural soy wax candle, The Shopkeepers. theshopkeepers-sb.com 5. Santa Barbara Beaches throw custom made for Hayward's. haywards1890.com 6. Art coaster tiles, Plum Goods. plumgoodsstore.com 7. Woven baskets with braided handles, Habitat Home & Garden. habitathomeandgarden.com 8. Poured candle in glass votive with iron ornament and hand blown glass heart, J. Woeste in Los Olivos. jwoeste.com.com 9. Turkish hand towels, Riviera Towel Co. rivieratowel.com 10. Plant-based, organic facial oil, toner, and body oil, Plum Goods. plumgoodsstore.com 11. Hand woven wall decor/baskets, Riviera Towel Co. rivieratowel.com 12. Iron and leather rocker, Porch. porchsb.com.

Was there a specific moment or event that inspired you to set up Shop in the Funk Zone? I live in West Beach and dreamed of being able to have a store near the ocean that I could walk to every day. After months of searching and not finding the right space, I gave up and just waited for it to find me. 14 Helena Avenue came to me one rainy January day in 2019 when a very good friend asked me to come and look at an available space. I knew right away that I was standing in the new home for ShineUP Men's. My customers always comment on what a cool space it is, how good it feels, and the unique clothing and goods I have curated for this cozy spot. My focus has always been on creating a place where people want to come and hang out, have a beer or glass of wine, and take in the good vibes!

What are you most excited about offering your ShineUP Men’s customers right now? I love everything in the store right now because I handpicked it! When I travel to shows, I like meeting the makers, learning about their product, how it’s made, and the inspiration behind it. My goal is to bring in brands unique to Santa Barbara, that offer quality-crafted goods, at an affordable price point. I want everyone who walks through the door to be able to shop here and feel like they are getting something different - from Raw denim, that is made in L.A. on antique Singer sewing machines to knives and hatchets handmade in Europe. I also carry jewelry, bags, sunglasses, and so much more.