How many years have you been in business?
We are going on 3 years in West Seattle now and have been in business with Twilight Artist Collective for 6 years. We originally started out in the Pike Place Market.

Who are your customers?
Our customers have come to us by word of mouth. It’s all very organic. We’ve never done a lot of marketing, once they come in, they comment on the store, how great our old location in Pike Place Market, etc. Then they become repeat customers!

Tell me something about your business that I might not have known?
We feature mostly NW artists, but also have a handful of artists from all over. We have artwork that is wearable art as well as artwork on the walls. We carry a lot of crossover art – everything from bags to jewelry to craft and fine art.

Who is your role model?
My Dad is my role model. He has gong through everything in life with a positive attitude. He is a kind person and he inspires me. He always looks ahead. He is an entrepreneur. He wasn’t always successful, but he isn’t afraid to take risks. He enabled me to get started in Twilight and always supported my crazy decisions!

What are the challenges of owning an independent business?
Sustainability. Clearly people enjoy what we have but the challenge is getting people over the hump of understanding the value of investing in art. The power of art is about quality vs. affordability. Helping people understand the difference between shopping at cheap department stores vs. local, independent stores is rewarding. We help make art accessible and give people an introduction to what art is.

What do you enjoy in your free time?
I love to explore. I like being spontaneous and not making plans. I like to get lost and be accessible to the moment I’m in. I enjoy meeting new people.

What other Junction shops do you like to patron?
I like West 5 and Easy Street a lot!

What sort of music do you listen to?
I listen to Indie rock, bluegrass, true country – like Willie Nelson.

To learn more about Twilight Artist Collective and meet Mary’s business partners, visit their website:  www.twilightart.net/

Easy way to print:  right click, copy image, and paste into word document.  Then print.

What do you like about doing business in The Junction?

I enjoy the community and the support I have received.  It’s a nice place to work.

How many years have you been in business?

I’ve been in West Seattle for 25 years, 11 of those years in The Junction. Those of us in the industry like to call it “As The Hair Turns…”

What do you like about owning your own business?

I am able to create an environment that reflects my personality and my standards for quality and customer service.

Who is your role model?

My mentor is BJ Propokof from Brunette Mix. I have known her for 25 years.  Her mantra is, “Why can’t you?” She has been a real inspiration to me.

What are the challenges of owning an independent business?

You are always “on.”  It’s constant and sometimes it’s like I live in my salon.  However, I am very passionate about what I do, so it’s ok.  I get to do what I love as a career, not everyone gets that lucky.  I have an amazing crew! I call them the “dream team.”

What do you enjoy in your free time?

Spend time with my boyfriend and my four-legged children (my pets).  I like to hang out with family and friends and try to relax!

What do you love about West Seattle?

I grew up here.  It has a small town feel with the quality of downtown.

What sort of music do you listen to?

Anything but techno!

FIND THE PATH TO YOUR BELOVED’S HEART WITH DELICIOUS AND ROMANTIC GOODIES FROM THESE JUNCTION BUSINESSES

There is no lack of love from West Seattle Junction restaurants and specialty food shops this Valentine’s Day. Whether your beloved likes sinfully chocolate treats or oysters and champagne, a trip to The Junction is just the thing to set Cupid’s arrow free. And remember: parking is always free in The Junction!  Shoofly Pie Company Shoofly Pie Co. believes in all butter crusts and homemade goodness. Seattleites must agree since this little pie company received Seattle magazine’s Best Restaurants of 2010 Reader Choice Award. All February long enjoy: Bleeding Heart Cherry Pie Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Tart Bakery Nouveau Another award winner, Bakery Nouveau tempts visitors everyday with their French-inspired pastries, breads, sandwiches and pizza. Macaron for Two: A macaron large enough to share filled with chocolate mousse and topped with fresh fruit St. Valentine: St. Honoré style dessert pairing the flavors of raspberry and vanilla Valentine Chocolate Tart: Rich 60% chocolate ganache topped with a chocolate glaze and pink macaron hearts Bakery Nouveau™ Chocolates: Assorted chocolates in red heart boxes or Bakery Nouveau boxes wrapped with red ribbon  Coffee to a Tea Home to Sugar Rush Baking Company, this neighborhood kid-friendly coffee shop serves up tasty cupcakes, soups and sandwiches. Heart Cakes for Two in Red Velvet, Ganache and Coconut Imposter! Cupcakes: marshmallow filled chocolate cake dipped in ganache Assorted cupcakes topped with heart-shaped brownies Sugar cookies  Cupcake Royale Delicious cupcakes and stellar coffee at the heart of the West Seattle Junction. Deathcakes (from 1/28-2/14 only): Theo Chocolate decadence, Stumptown espresso ganache, chocolate cake Royale Special cupcake for February: Red Hot, chocolate cake Royale with a cinnamon peppery bite and flower-top frosting Lovers Cupcake 2 Pack: Red Hot and Drizzled Strawberry made with strawberry preserves from this summer’s bounty and drizzled with ganache Friends Cupcake 4 Pack: Red Hot, Drizzled Strawberry, Red Velvet, Salted Caramel, with a ganache drizzle  Fresh Bistro Innovative Pacific Northwest Cuisine in a welcoming environment. From Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14, Fresh Bistro is offering “Embracing Culinary Aphrodisiacs,” a prixe fix Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two. Menu Highlights: Duo of Oysters & Sparkling Wines Avocado, Mango, and Ahi Tuna Poke with Toasted Sesame Seed Candy, Lime-Soy Pudding, Chili Pepper and Scallion Oil in a Crisp Plantain Cup Fig and Pig Salad with Frisee, Arugula and Watercress with Orange Pistachio Brittle, Braised Pork Belly and Balsamic Vinny Wagyu Tenderloin and Lobster Deconstructed Beef Wellington with Truffles, Duxelles Puff Pastry, Foraged Mushrooms, Red Wine Peppercorn Demi and Pan Seared Hudson Valley Foie Gras Chocolate Truffle Trio: Dark Chocolate Chili Pepper, Milk Chocolate Banana, White Chocolate Framboise served with Warm Almond Milk  Tuscan Tea Room This lovely and ornately appointed Junction newcomer offers lunch and afternoon tea, as well as house-blended loose leaf tea for sale. This Valentine’s Day weekend (February 12, 13 and 14), the Tuscan Tea Room will be offering: Sweetheart Tea for little your sweetheart ages 13 and under featuring Heart Shaped Finger Sandwiches and Cookies and a special “milk flight” featuring chocolate, strawberry and peach milk. Chocolate Valentine Tea with chocolate bacon Bruschetta, Espresso Crushed Chocolate NY Strip and a Salad Boat with Cranberry, Gorgonzola, Almonds and Cocoa Nibs.

February in The Junction:
Love = sweet delight

When it comes to sweets, West Seattleites know The Junction is where it’s at.

There’s a treat for every day of the week, from Shoofly Pie Shop to good-for-you grains at Great Harvest. Find your inner prince or princess at Cupcake Royale and teleport to Paris via Bakery Nouveau. With this much to love, dessert-for-dinner is a completely valid option.

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