Here’s what’s happening at 42nd and Genesee

divinaupdate.jpg

While driving by this corner on the north edge of The Junction (map) a few days back, we spotted that sign in the window at the closed-for-a-while shop Divina — and an open door, so we hopped out to see what we could find out about what’s going on, since we’ve received a few recent e-mails from curious passersby. We found Divina owner Julie Mireille Anderson doing some painting during a day off from her “day job”; Julie explained that she’s working on a new version of her shop – after a few potential subleases fell through, she’s now developing a plan that may include “seasonal retail” as well as utilizing it as an event space for arts, education, other community-focused efforts. The space immediately east, meantime, is in the process of becoming Salon 08, with some of the hair stylists who have been working at nearby Friends; they told us recently they hope to be open by Labor Day. Oh by the way – the sign you see in the photo isn’t apropos to anything in particular but joie de vivre; one of Julie’s artist friends made it.

10 Replies to "Here's what's happening at 42nd and Genesee"

  • Dawn August 5, 2008 (3:51 pm)

    I talked to the owner of Salon 08, and she is having a grand opening this Friday ( 08/08/08..(get it =Salon 08) for anyone and everyone who wants to stop on by… The Salon will be employed by alot of great artists from all over West Seattle (not just from Friends).. her salon is just about finished (she was out shopping for plants, when i spoke with her) and it looks amazing!!!!!!!!!!

  • Dawn August 5, 2008 (3:55 pm)

    forgot to tell the time of Salon 08’s grand opening is 7pm…. : )

  • WSB August 5, 2008 (4:23 pm)

    Thanks, it’s been a while since Patrick got that tidbit of info so glad to hear the update, we will get it into the events calendar later so it’s in the Weekend Lineup – TR

  • cami August 5, 2008 (4:32 pm)

    Cool! We will definately stop by. I’ve heard great things already!

  • Becka August 5, 2008 (5:00 pm)

    Just met the owners at Salon 08, great girls! West Seattle really needed this urban flare! Atmosphere was great and the energy was positive! I will certainly be there for grand opening!!!!!

  • anonymous August 5, 2008 (7:10 pm)

    One day I was in Divina with my mother and she all of-a-sudden urgently needed to use to bathroom. The owner was very rude when telling her could not use the bathroom there. I understand the owner was afraid my mother would steal something…but my ‘Ma could have handed over her purse and Julie could have been a good neighbor in our moment of distress. We never set foot in the store again.

    -Junction resident of 9 years

  • neighbor August 6, 2008 (1:26 pm)

    I was not impressed at all with the Divina store that was in there before it was closed. Hopefully, the revamping of this venue will include more realistic prices, friendlier services and products that are more appealing. It was my impression that the owner was p.o.’d when I walked out without buying anything!

  • karen August 9, 2008 (9:34 am)

    You knew the store was doomed from the start.
    The owner was so rude to customers. It was obvious she didn’t know how to create a successful
    retail enviroment. My girlfriends wouldn’t shop there…they said the woman was mean to them.

  • WSB August 9, 2008 (9:52 am)

    I have to say something here that you might not know otherwise, for balance’s sake, since I suspect Julie is way too busy at the moment to find this thread and respond. I can’t speak to what it was like to shop at Divina, so I wouldn’t even want to try to invalidate anyone’s experience. However, it should be noted that Julie initiated the idea of the West Seattle Community Recognition Awards, to which we offered support for the two quarters they were tried, because she was trying to find some way to recognize the unsung heroes of the community who otherwise never find themselves receiving big awards or other official honors. The concept didn’t gain much traction (despite a fair amount of time and effort put into it by Julie, volunteer judges, and us on the publicity side), so it’s on hiatus pending a better idea for celebrating community heroes, but I have to give her props for even having the idea. I think that kind of communitymindedness is what she is exploring now for the potential future of the shop space as an event venue, as well as some different way to explore other things she tried, like showcasing kids’ art and sustainable wearables from other cultures. – TR

  • neighbor & friend of Julie August 10, 2008 (4:45 pm)

    I know Julie personally and admire her great love the West Seattle Community.

    Please understand that sometimes people have a lot of stuff going on behind the scenes. To expect excellent service all the time is kind of unrealistic and inhuman, even though the “customer is always right” is basically our city’s motto. The person checking you out at the grocery store or the one making your coffee is not a robot, they are people who have every day problems just like us. Running a small business on your own is hard work; especially in today’s economy. Please have some compassion for Julie and don’t be so quick to dismiss her or her store; she’s been through a lot lately, I do hope that you’ll give her and her store another chance. Thank you.

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