Since Covid hit I have been wanting to do something to support my favorite small boutiques.  My friend Roxanne suggested I start a new series featuring the small boutiques that we love. Today I am featuring one of my very favorite shops in the Santa Cruz area Patine.  Dani and Eric travel to Europe for the architectural, wine, garden, and textiles they sell.  They combine handpicked gifts and bespoke accessories for a charming mix that you won’t find anywhere else. Welcome to Shops We Love-Patine. I think you will enjoy getting to know Dani and Eric.

Shops We Love-Patine

First of all, how are you tackling your business during the pandemic, and how are you compensating for it?

It’s been a challenge at the beginning of COVID-19. Patine closed and all shows and vintage Flea Market were and still are canceled. We started working in our warehouse every day, making masks, opened an online store, and prepped our merchandise for future events. We also participated in Chateau Sonoma’s Virtual French Flea Market, which was a huge success. Then they announced that stores can be back open. So the next Day which was June 3rd, Patine is back open again. WE also had our first Unloading Event during the pandemic, which was a huge success! We were overjoyed that so many customers came to buy and to support us. Eric and I always stayed positive in these trying times. We know now that we can pivot in different directions if we have to.

What do you enjoy most about your business?

First of all, I love our customers. Over the years we met so many, lovely and interesting people, that share the same passion for Farmhouse antiques and vintage items like Eric and me. I believe in what we sell, each piece has history and very often I actually can tell you about it.

 

I know that you and Eric share responsibilities, but could you share with our readers exactly how you do that?

We both like to have responsibilities so we decided that each of us choose what we do best. Eric is a multi-tasking person in the warehouse, he loves to sort through the linens, get the furniture and all home decor pieces organized for our own events and flea markets. He also does all the paperwork which is a big part of our business. Patine is my Baby! I choose what to bring from the warehouse for the store. My favorite part is to decorate the store. My hope is that the customer feels invited and comfortable and not too overwhelmed by too much merchandise. If they like to learn about certain items I am happy to explain where it comes from and what it was used for on the other hand, if customers prefer to shop alone that is absolutely fine with me.

Please tell our readers about the shows and flea markets that you participate in.

In normal times without Covid-19 we have 3 Flea Markets every month!

First Sunday: Alameda Antique Show

Second Sunday: Rose Bowl Flea in Pasadena

Third Sunday: Long Beach Flea Market

We also have our own Unloading Events at the store 4 times a year which are so much fun, a must go for all vintage and antique Farmhouse lovers!

In addition, we participate at the famous Chateau Sonoma’s French Flea Market  (btw my favorite event of the year) every Memorial Weekend!

Goat Hill Fair at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds in Watsonville which is 2 times a year, check their website

Also twice a year we are part of the Calm Antique Show in Santa Barbara.

Last but not least, Moss Landing Antique Show which is every year end of July

Your store embodies the collected look. How do you keep it so original?

I love to mix old and new, pretty and ugly, the juxtaposition of things, materials, fabrics & colors, that what I am looking for. It’s all about color, form & shape touching & feeling. I hope that shows at Patine.

 

Who and what inspires you and why?

I mostly get inspiration from nature, things that lived and been around for a long time, but also music, films & Europe. I lived for 36 years in Germany before I moved to the US. I love all these beautiful and different cultures in Europe, so much to see and so much to learn which is incredible.

Dani do you have a signature piece that defines the Patine look?

YES! I do! Eric and I bought this lovely big copper sign which has the perfect Patina!It hangs behind my packing table and it’s my store name without words. BTW Patine is the french version of Patina.

What are your most popular items that your customers can’t live without?

Where to begin. Tables and coffee tables are always a big seller also dough bowls, benches, pottery, huge bottles with metal carriers, preserve jars in all sizes, cutting boards, ladders and of course our beautiful linen pillows that Eric makes from vintage and antique fabrics.

Are their elements in nature and design that inspire you?

Nature is the beginning of all designs! I don’t know how to explain it but I really like the push & pull, pretty & not, unevenness, imperfection and I love when a piece can shine, not competing with over items, less is more in my eyes

What are your hopes for the future of your business?

Good news, we just signed a long lease for Patine, so the store is hopefully going to stay. Eric and I both hope that the shows will open up again soon. We just love to connect with our customers and each show is different in a good way. I hope that Eric and I stay healthy and that we soon can travel to Hungary again.

Share anything about your business that I may have forgotten

From Eric:

In 2009 we opened Patine as strictly a showroom for our pillows and textiles. Not long after opening Dani wanted to expand the offerings to jewelry, candles, and other home decor items that I had no familiarity with. I gave her a very short financial leash, to be honest, I was not sure of her capabilities. Turns out after a month or so she had so much success that all financial limits were promptly removed with enthusiasm. Now it’s a team effort.

 

Thank you two so much Dani and Eric for allowing me to interview you for Shops We Love-Patine. Patine is located at 1001 41st Avenue Santa Cruz. Stop in if you are in the area.  They are social distance friendly, and the doors are wide open.  You can follow them on Instagram here, and their website eurolinens here to find out what shows they will be attending and updates on their container events. Please support the small boutiques you love.  Do you have small shops you love in your area?  Please share.

You might also enjoy the post The Collected Look and How to Get It.

DESIGN BOOKS TO HELP YOU GET THE PATINE LOOK