If you can’t manage to travel to Paris anytime soon, walking into a new shop in Cherrydale may be enough to give you a French fix. The recent addition of La Maison at 3510 Lee Highway should please local Francophiles.
“This is a dream come true,” said owner Jeeun Friel. “I just love decorating and I’m a collector of beautiful things.”
The store quietly opened on Saturday (March 16) and has seen a steady stream of curious customers come through the doors.
“It’s been a lot of positive feedback. They’ve been very welcoming here,” said Friel.
The shop carries a variety of French and French-inspired products ranging from jewelry to candles and soaps to antique furniture pieces. Friel said she makes every effort to buy true antiques and not reproductions. She also sells art and new furniture pieces made by local artists, and as evidenced by the various bright items throughout the store, Friel reports a passion for “having fun with color.”
“La Maison means ‘the house’ in French. I want everybody to feel like this is someone’s home,” Friel said. “It’s kind of like a Parisian market with all different kinds of things.”
She originally worked as a private chef, but about 10 years ago Friel and a partner went in together on their first business, a hair salon, which they sold a few years later. Since then, she had been interested in opening a small store highlighting her enjoyment of decorating.
The space was previously occupied by a palm reading business, and prior to that it was Cherrydale Clockworks, which closed suddenly in August 2010.
“I’ve always adored this neighborhood, and I know it’s certainly up and coming,” said Friel. “I’ve seen it change the last seven years. I just love Cherrydale.”
Although no firm date has been set, Friel plans to hold a grand opening celebration next month. Until then, she’s working to get a website up and running and on spreading the word about the store’s soft opening.
“Come and say hello,” Friel said. “I welcome anyone and everyone and just want them to feel like this is a special place with lots of different, eclectic, unique little finds. It’s like a treasure hunt.”