Shop Local: Abbe Doll of The Cottage Collective

Check out the end of this post for a giveaway from The Cottage Collective!

 

Our home is a perfect example of what Abbe Doll can do with old pieces of furniture. It is filled with custom pieces that have been given new "French Country" (or so my wife tells me) lives thanks to Abbe's hard work and creativity.

Now with the opening of her own shop, The Cottage Collective, all Wichitans have the chance to fill their homes with her unique style. Located in what locals know as the Green Elephant Village, this shop is the perfect stop for those who love vintage, handmade and unique items. Most importantly, by supporting her boutique, shoppers also support several local, women-owned businesses.

The Cottage Collective opened March 2012 in Wichita's historic College Hill neighborhood. 

How did your passion for transforming old furniture begin?
My passion for all things "home" started when I was little. My mom is an amazing homemaker and I remember asking for new bedding for my birthday when my friends asked for new clothes. As I began homemaking, I found myself taking what I had and then giving it a makeover. Then before I knew it, I had friends asking me to help them with their homes, all while maintaining a tight budget.

When did you decide to to start selling your pieces?
About a year ago, a dear friend of mine, Polly Peake, opened an amazing store called At Home with Style. She encouraged me to pursue my dream of selling some of my reclaimed vintage pieces. So, I decided to try my hand at retail, fully expecting it not to do much. I quickly sold out and found myslef with an increasing custom list. It was an incredible moment to see my passion and hobby not only become a reality but also help provide for my young family.

The Cottage Collective serves as the brick and mortar to seven local home-based businesses; A Lady With a Baby, Prairie Market, All Dolled Up, Marigold Road, Paper Goods Creative, Poema Creations, and Zerbers. 

What made you decide to open your own shop?

I was shopping in the Green Elephant and Christiane's Closet when I saw a sign in the window advertising that 509 Lorraine was up for lease. I popped in thinking of possibly leasing it for a work space. I fell in love with the charm and I saw the good bones to this little boutique. I experienced a vision when I walked in the door. Within a few minutes, I pictured the store housing other local women's goods like farmhouse antiques, handcrafted home decor, accessories, handsewn baby gifts, and unique paper goods.

How would you describe The Cottage Collective?
The Cottage Collective is like a real-life Etsy. It is the brick and mortar home to many small home-based businesses whose products were mainly available online. After I saw the space for the first time, I called six girls who came to mind and prayed that half of them would be interested in my vision. All six were on board to bring their merchandise to this shop. Within a week I had signed the lease and The Cottage Collective was born. Between the seven of us we create a store full of local goods, that customers can be proud to own because they are local, unique, handmade, and one of a kind.

A Prairie Market describes her vintage and antique home goods as "white, chippy charm for your farmhouse."

The goal of A Lady With a Baby is to create "beautiful things that you will love at an affordable price."

Marigold Road specializes in mid-century decor and housewares while also offering handmade felt headbands, hoop art, and yarn wreaths.

Poema offers one of a kind handcrafted jewelry.

What inspires your personal style?

I am inspired by french cottage, shabby chic, and farmhouse decor. I love old, tired furniture and thinking about the story each piece tells. I recently finished a buffet and thought about how many thanksgiving dinners and tea parties it might have hosted. Or, as I sand rings from water damage I wonder how many potted plants might have sat there. Each piece I do has a story, and I love seeing it being brought back to life.

What is popular in your store right now?

Right now we are loving spring inspired colors like a buttery yellow chair placed beside a mint colored table. I don't think you can go wrong with adding any of these colors to your home. Spring is also inspiring the patterns in the handcrafted jewelry, felt headbands, burlap wreaths, and darling searsucker ruffle pants for little girls. We even have amazing colors in little things like paper straws and bakers twine. Every nook and cranny of the shop has something wonderful.

Zerbers custom embroidery and gifts are perfect "for the special little people in your life."

What is your vision for the future of The Cottage Collective?

We hope to add to Wichita's "go-to" unique boutiques and offer our customers something new everytime they shop. Continuing to support local businesses is also very important to our future. We will soon be hosting a "local artisan" section of the store where we will showcase other local goods being crafted right here in Wichita.

Paper Goods Creative specializes in "unique and personalized paper goods of all kinds."

What is your favorite thing in the shop right now?

I love everything! But, right now we are Wichita's only shop carrying JOYN products and I couldn't be happier to support them. JOYN takes artisans living in poverty and gives them access to international markets so that they can earn sustainable livelihood and successfully counter poverty. It is truly an amazing organization.

The Cottage Collective is the only store in Wichita currently carrying JOYN products.

What advice would you give to those who want to open a shop of their own? 
If you dream big, you have to work just as big. What I don't think many people know is that we just don't own a store front, but we manufacture, tag, retail, and then replace the product. There are many nights I tuck my kiddos in bed, go out and paint until 2 a.m. Then I get up and drive carpool in the morning. Somedays the juggle is easier than others, but it's worth it. I believe in this. I love seeing other homemakers take home affordable pieces and fall in love with their homes again. I believe in the store. I am proud to be a part of the "buy local" movement, and most importantly, I am proud of the other vendors in the Cottage.

And now the giveaway!

The Cottage Collective is giving away to one lucky I've Gotta Guy reader, a $25 gift certificate! Here's what you need to do to enter the giveaway. 

1. Become a I've Gotta Guy Follower 

2. Leave a comment in the section below 

3. Like The Cottage Collective on Facebook and leave them a message on their wall saying that you have entered the I've Gotta Guy Giveaway. 

Contest starts on May 17 and ends on May 20. Winner will be announced via blog post on I've Gotta Guy.