West Seattle, Washington
15 Friday
6:16 PM: We’re out right now on the West Seattle Art Walk – tonight, featuring the new business that a longtime Junction fashion entrepreneur is opening:
That’s Linda Walsh, who – as we reported here – proprietor of Carmilia’s, and now also taking over the 4536 California SW space a few doors down where Willow recently closed. Tonight she’s introducing her new shop, Oona:
As the sign says, Oona is open for a “dress rehearsal” tonight and also tomorrow during the West Seattle Junction Wine Walk tomorrow night; then regular hours start next week.
(Added: From tonight’s pop-up shop at Oona, by textile designer Hemloya)
The name, which Walsh attributes to Irish/Celtic mythology, was inspired by a friend. … More from the Art Walk shortly!
6:30 PM: Above, that’s Kay the Paint Lady, at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) tonight, leading free guided painting with Art Walk visitors:
6:52 PM: Toward the north end of tonight’s Art Walk map, Dan Jacobs is showing photos at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
Many of the photos were taken during a trip to Italy last year. We visited WSG early on tonight; ceramic artist Lora Radford was scheduled to join him a bit later. … Toward the south end of tonight’s Art Walk, we stopped by Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), showing work by Lea Basile-Lazarus:
7:20 PM: Even further south, you’ll find art at West Seattle Cellars (6016 California SW):
Jesse Holt created these pieces with keyboard keycaps, and he says they often have secret messages buried within them, to make them very multilayered:
More artists are featured in this month’s lineup preview on the Art Walk website.
Get stronger in time for summer! Longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction is offering a discount on this personal-training program:
Fitness Together West Seattle
6-Week Women’s Strength Program (1:1 Personal Training)Get 12 private 1:1 sessions in 6 weeks — a clear plan, expert coaching, and accountability so you actually follow through.
$972 (save $200) includes:
-12 sessions with a certified personal trainer in a private suite
-Fitness Assessment
-2 x Body Composition Scan
-Personalized program
-Weekly women’s fitness and health education topics
-Journal to track learning and progressLimited promo spots. Click here now to claim yours.
Fitness Together West Seattle is upstairs at 4546 California SW in the heart of The Junction.
Big smiles last night for Matt Vaughan and Kisha Vaughan as they showed off the big award Easy Street Records just won, honored at the Music Business Association‘s Bizzy Awards in Atlanta as Independent Retailer of the Year. Here’s what the award honors, according to the association’s website:
(The award is f)or a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.
Matt Vaughan opened Easy Street in 1988, so its 40th anniversary is in sight! It’s not “just” a record store, but also hosts live, free in-store concerts – some of which have been turned into records! – as well as signings, listening parties, readings, and art exhibits – plus it’s home to a café and bar – all anchoring the heart of The Junction in the city-landmark Hamm Building on the northwest corner of California and Alaska. We asked Matt for comment on the award; his reply – “Not possible without all of you lovely people in West Seattle. We love breaking bands from all over the world, all genres of music, new and used; all while supporting our favorite labels, distros, pressing plants, graphic designers, engineers, photographers, journalists, radio stations, venues, and the musicians that make it all possible.”
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: We asked the Music Business Association for a bit more information on Easy Street’s honor. For one, they sent us more photos from the ceremony, including this one of Kisha’s jubilation while Matt speaks:
(Photo by Picture This! Photography)
We asked about some of the testimonials/comments that helped judges decide Easy Street should win. They sent some examples, such as:
Easy Street Records in Seattle is always on the front lines for our bands. A true partner to labels and distributors. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them on projects for over 20 years and their support is always there no matter what.
And this one:
Matt Vaughan and his team have made a real deal community center out of their store and cafe, and stepped it up even more in the last 5-6 years. They made a point to serve their customers during lockdown, bringing smiles to people when they needed it most. All retail had to change their ways during lockdown and think of creative ways to connect with their customers, but Easy Street went above and beyond with the most brilliant of ideas. Instead of hiding away during lockdown, Easy Street literally got out there on the streets! Matt would hand-deliver packages with his son in their Easy Street van. … They are one of the most well-respected stores in the country, and it’s time they awarded by the music industry…BIG TIME :)
One more:
Easy Street Records represents the culture of Seattle. It’s very difficult in this day and age to go to a city that has unique stores that define and represent their city. Easy Street not only is a giant sponge and encyclopedia of Seattle, it represents the past, present and future of the music industry. The store itself is amazing, but the restaurant, coffee bar and bar take it up a notch. It’s a one stop shopping experience! The staff are masters of their craft and you can tell all were hired with intent.
To be in Easy Street makes one feel as though they are a part of something special, the staff, the in-stores, the music playing overhead, the smell of coffee, the delicious food and amazing drinks make me yearn for one in LA, where I live. It is literally one of my most favorite places to visit in the world!
The Music Business Association sent a few others too in response to our request, but from those three, you get the idea.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The owners of a Thai food pop-up and catering business say they’ll soon be opening a brick and mortar location in the West Seattle Triangle for their smoothie and ice cream offerings. Go Go Mango will operate in the former West Seattle Brewing Company space at 4415 Fauntleroy Way SW once city permits are approved.
If Go Go Mango sounds familiar, you may have seen their pop-up at last year’s West Seattle Summer Fest, where the mango smoothies and other items sold so well that they plan to be back again this year. Owner Grace Crawford says they signed the lease on Fauntleroy last year. “We wanted to do a lot of things,” she said, but struggled a bit with how much to invest in the space, knowing that the building could be in the path of light rail.
She says she and her husband Jeff decided to do “the minimum things to use the space,” with the hope that they will be able to stay open there at least several years. That involved cleaning up from the brewery business after its eviction in 2025, and a few minor interior changes. They are planning for mostly take-out, with only very limited seating indoors and on the patio.
In addition to a variety of mango smoothies, there will also be mango sticky rice and a dessert unique to their business: coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell. Matcha drinks will round out the offerings. The Crawfords are expanding on the foundation of their Thai Street-Gourmet by Grace business, which does a regular pop-up at Pike Place Market and events like Seafair, along with catering, out of a commissary kitchen in Tukwila and warehouse space in South Park.
(WSB photo, February)
Back in February, we reported that Delphinium Delicatessen was on the way for 3902 California SW. We have an update tonight from proprietor Cindy Beaver:
My shop is an homage to a shop on Orcas Island that has since closed (the owners retired) called Roses. I will have fresh baked bread from Seawolf in Fremont/Wallingford, wine, cheese, charcuterie, a sandwich and soup of the day (vegetarian options always available) and kitchen goods/ other foodie items. I aim to carry items that aren’t readily available at Met Mkt, as well as some staples. I will be selling local goods (West Seattle) as well as national and international stuff. I’m currently waiting on plumbing to be completed and hope to get finished and open before June is over.
Once Delphinium is open, Cindy tells WSB, hours will be 11 am to 7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays).
Just announced, the recipients of this year’s Westside Awards, presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce from nominees suggested by the community. Here’s the announcement we received from the Chamber:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize this year’s Westside Award honorees at its annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. Presented in partnership with Nucor Steel Seattle, the awards celebrate the businesses and individuals whose dedication, vision, and service shape the character of our community year after year.
“West Seattle has always been a community that shows up for itself, and the Westside Awards are our chance to say thank you out loud,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “Every honoree this year represents something powerful: the idea that local business and community spirit are not separate things. They are the same.”
Westside Business of the Year: West Seattle Bowl
(2022 photo, student Nathan Tavel’s fundraising bowl-a-thon at West Seattle Bowl)
West Seattle’s only bowling alley started with 14 lanes in 1948, grew to 32 by 1959, and has spent every decade since proving that great businesses grow by giving back. This past year, West Seattle Bowl rebuilt and expanded its community fundraising program, hosting events like Bob’s Bowl-a-Rama for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Turkey Bowl for the West Seattle Food Bank, reaffirming what they have always believed: that a bowling alley can be one of the most powerful gathering places a neighborhood has.
Westside Emerging Business of the Year: Fourth Emerald Games
(WSB file photo)
In 2025, West Seattle residents Joshua and Tiara Silas opened Fourth Emerald Games with their own hands and one simple belief: games are better when you play them together. Built from the ground up as a true third place, it welcomes every age and background through monthly tournaments, community partnerships, and a retro video game lounge that is rooted in inclusion.
Westside Not for Profit of the Year: The Center for Active Living
(File photo, by Holli Margell)
The Center for Active Living fights loneliness and isolation every day, serving West Seattle’s adults through programs, meals, counseling, and a community that members say gave them their first real sense of belonging. In 2025 they expanded their reach significantly, partnering with a number of organizations to bring older adults through their doors each week for activities, lunch, and critical services.
Westsider of the Year: Jessica Pierce
(WSB file photo)
Jessica Pierce founded West Seattle Junction FC and the Rhodies FC on the belief that professional soccer should belong to everyone, hosting free youth clinics that served over 300 kids this year and partnering with King County to distribute 300 free tickets to every match so that no family is ever priced out of the experience.
Award winners and all nominees will be recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 7:30–9:00 am, at The Hall at Fauntleroy. Pricing for tickets is $55/65 per person. Get your tickets at wschamber.com.
Previous Westside Award winners in each category are available at www.wschamber.com/westside-awards.
One of the honorees, the Center for Active Living, had a big event of its own today – the annual fundraising breakfast – and we’ll have a full report on that later tonight.
4:07 PM: The West Seattle Junction space formerly occupied by Willow, preceded by Fleurt, will not be empty for long. A familiar Junction fashion entrepreneur is moving into 4536 California SW – here’s the announcement:
Well-known West Seattle staple Carmilia’s announced today that it will open a new store in the Alaska Junction, offering everything from skincare products to fashion accessories. The new store, located at 4536 California Ave SW, formerly home to Fleurt and Willow, will do a soft opening on Art Walk Night, May 14, 2026. Carmilia’s owner, Linda Walsh, is at the helm of the project.
The store will be filled with all of Walsh’s favorite things: shoes, accessories, and gifts, at a variety of price points. It’s the perfect place to find unique and playful items for your next celebration or shopping spree. The store’s scheduled hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10 am-4 pm.
Walsh told us she hasn’t yet settled on a name, so if you pass the future shop’s windows you will probably see “Watch This Space” as a placeholder!
ADDED 5:39 PM: “Watch This Space” photo added above. And it reminds us – that’s what Walsh put in the window at the former location of her original shop Clementine, on the west side of California just north of Oregon, before it opened, as we noted in this brief blurb 20 years ago!
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(Photo courtesy Northwest Fitness Project)
When Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) proprietor Frank Gross announced his shop’s upcoming move to a bigger new home in The Admiral District, he also announced his current location in Morgan Junction already has a new tenant, Northwest Fitness Project, which describes itself as a “personalized strength-training studio.” Four months have passed since first word of their plan, and now NWFP’s proprietors have sent updates: They’re planning to open at 6400 California SW on July 11, with an open house that “will include classes, movement assessments, bodywork, exclusive merch, and more, with further details to come.” Also, co-owner Jeremy Stewart and executive trainer Steven Pust (both West Seattle residents, shown above) are looking for another executive trainer to join the team in “a full-time training role, not a sales role, to focus on leading small-group classes and working with a roster of personal training clients.” You can go here to find out more about the opening. NW Fitness Project was founded in Fremont eight years ago; the West Seattle studio is an expansion.
(WSB photos)
You still have two hours to get to West Seattle’s only comic-book store Tails to Astonish (5633 California SW) on Free Comic Book Day. You can get one free even if you don’t buy anything, more than one if you do. Proprietors Shaun and Nicole are having a sale for the occasion too.
The shop – in its fifth year – is open until 5 pm today.
(WSB photo, May 2025)
That was the scene at West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish, on Free Comic Book Day last year – AFTER the rush. Tomorrow’s the big day, and Tails to Astonish has reasons for you to visit:
We will have free comics for all ages. One free comic for everyone who stops by, plus more with a purchase. SOME of the titles: Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Garfield, Masters of the Universe, Jem, Avengers, Amazing Spider-Man, Something is Killing the Children, Aliens, and more! We will also be having our Spring Cleaning Sale… all books in the large blue bins are half off sticker price OR if they don’t have a price they are just $2!
Tails to Astonish is at 5633 California SW and will be open 10 am-5 pm on Saturday.
Ready to get out on the water? Alki Kayak Tours is about to start offering new weekly opportunities for you to do exactly that. Here’s the announcement from AKT proprietor Greg Whittaker:
We are excited to launch new community paddling events at Alki Kayak Tours for the 2026 season. We live surrounded by Puget Sound, the second-largest inland sea in the US. This is the birthplace of modern sea kayaking, where many talented designers have created kayaks for our waterways and given us the tools to safely explore. While all of our neighbors appreciate Puget Sound from the shoreline, we offer a new perspective of West Seattle from the water.
This year we are offering weekly community paddles and classes that will eventually culminate in a Blake Island Overnight Paddle! Yes, we will train you to get you there, and offer classes to help people become comfortable on the water. Experienced paddlers with their own gear are invited to join these weekly events. You only need a waiver on file.
Weekly Community Paddles
Thursday Morning Paddle Club
kayakalki.com/morning-community-paddleTuesday Night SUPper Community Paddles
kayakalki.com/supper-community-paddleWe will also continue offering our Intro to Sea Kayaking and Rescue and Recovery classes, and we will add Navigation and Currents courses before the Blake Island trip.
These events are sponsored by Mountain to Sound Outfitters, so if you are getting into paddling, swing by the shop to start gearing up.
Mountain to Sound (WSB sponsor) is at 3602 SW Alaska; Alki Kayak Tours is at Seacrest, 1660 Harbor SW. Both of these weekly opportunities start in May – next week!
11:56 AM: 
With three Safeway stores in the West Seattle vicinity , a newly filed state consumer-protection lawsuit might be of interest. State Attorney General Nick Brown (a West Seattleite) announced the lawsuit this morning:
The corporate owner of Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores has overcharged Washington consumers in more than 3 million transactions over a five-year period through deceptive “buy one get one free” deals, Attorney General Nick Brown argues in a new consumer protection lawsuit filed today.
Boise-based Albertsons Companies, one of the largest grocery store chains in the country, owns and operates all Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen grocery stores in Washington, totaling 225 retail grocery stores across the state.
The grocery stores entice consumers through “buy one get one free” (BOGO) promotions on staples such as bread, cereal, fresh produce, and olive oil. According to the complaint filed in King County Superior Court, the stores artificially hike prices of products slated for the supposed specials in the weeks or months leading up to a “buy one get one free” promotion, overcharging customers who purchase in the interim. Then they lower the prices within about 30 days after the deal is over. The net result is that consumers think they’re getting a second item free, but in practice, they’re just paying an inflated price for the first item.
For example, a Gig Harbor Albertsons hiked the price of a bottle of olive oil to $10.99 for the BOGO promotion from $6.99 a week earlier, an increase of 57%. After the “buy one get one free” deal ended, the store dropped the price back down to $6.99. …
From October 2019 to May 2024, the defendants overcharged Washington consumers on more than 3 million transactions, the lawsuit says. The stores brought in as much as $19.7 million by attracting consumers into their stores with these deceptive deals.
This is not the first time the defendants have been accused of unfair and deceptive BOGO promotions in stores in the Pacific Northwest. Albertsons paid $107 million to settle a 2016 class action lawsuit related to misleading “buy one get one free” deals in Oregon stores. The companies also settled a proposed class action case filed in 2023 in federal court related to deceptive BOGO promotions in Washington stores. …
See the lawsuit document (which cites other examples of the alleged practice) here. We have a request out for comment from Safeway/Albertsons.
12:26 PM: Here’s their comment, obtained via email:
We are aware that the Washington Attorney General has filed a lawsuit related to certain buy‑one‑get‑one promotions. We engaged in good‑faith discussions with the Attorney General’s Office and strongly disagree with its claims, which are based on flawed analysis and data errors that we identified and raised.
Albertsons Companies is committed to complying with the law and to offering customers clear value through our promotions. As this is pending litigation, we will address the matter through the legal process and cannot comment further.
Back in March, as reported here, the Alki Community Council announced a city commitment to install “pedestrian-level” lighting outside businesses in the wake of a burglary wave. This weekend, the lighting is being installed.
The videos were sent by ACC president Charlotte Starck, who told WSB this morning:
Lights are going up on Alki Avenue between 63rd and … at Christos and Do Si. These are the LED daylight-activated to help prevent crime given (the burglaries). It’s a positive step as we advocate for a safer Alki. Petro Fotopolous is thrilled.
Fire Tacos got theirs yesterday and owner Erica loved it. Also, the (staffer at) the bike rental place liked the idea so he has better lighting in the evening when he closes.
But that’s not all the ACC is hoping for, Starck adds: “We are still waiting on SDOT to let us know if they will do anything to make the restaurant row stretch from 63rd to 57th safer, to slow down and deter the burnouts and sprinting and donuts in the pedestrian high-traffic areas.”
After shutting down for electrical work earlier this week, as noted here Tuesday, the Space Age gas station at 35th SW and SW Holden reopened tonight. Four pumps are open, and two others are expected to be back in service Monday, but station staff told us no further closures are anticipated. If you need to fill up tonight, they’re open until 10 pm.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“Coming soon” signs are up and work is finally under way at the former Midas location at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW, where Sherwin-Williams is planning to double its presence in West Seattle by later this year. As we first reported in January, the store has been many years in the planning process. Sherwin-Williams is the only specialty paint store in West Seattle, though some other businesses, like Home Depot and Junction Hardware, have paint departments.
The current Sherwin-Williams location, at the intersection of Sylvan Way and Delridge, opened in 2013 and has 6 employees. We’re told by staffer Todd that they sell to a mix of homeowners and contractors, and that the second location is sorely needed. “Our back room is overflowing with the volume that we do,” he said. In addition to selling paint products and supplies, their store takes a variety of old and leftover paint products for recycling, though they have a limit on what they can take. The new store will mean more space for that program too.
Todd says the Fauntleroy Way store is expected to open in the fall with a staff of 4 and be, “focused more toward individual homeowners,” though he expects it will also be the new store of choice for some West Seattle-based contractors who live in the Admiral and Alki neighborhoods. “That store is going to be a game-changer for a lot of upper West Seattle contractors.” He also said to expect some opening-celebration events in the fall.
A commenter wondered why Space Age at 35th/Holden – one of the cheapest and newest gas stations in West Seattle – is closed and taped off. We sent a team member over to ask; the employee he found said the problem is “technical difficulties” and they’re hoping to be able to reopen “later this week.” Space Age is an Oregon-based regional chain and as far as we know, this is their only station in Seattle (though after a year-plus, it’s still not listed on their website).
ADDED: We don’t know whether this is related, but online city files show a permit was obtained yesterday for work at the station to replace two electrical panels.
(Photo courtesy WEND Jewelry)
One of the thriving businesses in South Admiral is celebrating a milestone … five years! WEND Jewelry is having a party on Saturday (April 25) to celebrate. In the meantime, WEND founder Wendy Woldenberg says, “WEND is feeling especially grateful for this milestone. In a world where so many small businesses never make it to year five, reaching this moment feels like a real testament to the support, trust, and care of our community.” The 2-6 pm party on Saturday will include shopwide discounts, a raffle, ceramics pop-up, bites and beverages, and a maker’s station to make your own pendant. WEND adds, “Our neighbors Sebastiano’s Natural Wines and MyoSpace of Seattle will be participating as well!” WEND is at 3278 California SW.
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
As we previewed last night (when music fans were already getting in line), doors opened at 7 am this morning at Easy Street Records for the biggest day of the year: Record Store Day.
We stopped by at 7:40 am, when the line was still wrapped around the block past the Wells Fargo parking lot on 44th Ave SW:
The weather was clear and pleasant and spirits were high:
Many of those in line told us that their shopping list included the “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” record (a followup to the Grammy winner’s first live album recorded at the store almost 20 years ago). The album contains recordings from her band’s performance at Easy Street last October (WSB coverage here). Yesterday, the band stopped by the store and signed the wall.
This morning, owner Matt Vaughan (pictured below with the aforementioned wall poster and coveted album) told us that the morning had gone smoothly thus far (“we’ve got it down pretty well!” he chuckled) and that the first purchase of the day was (unsurprisingly) the Brandi Carlile album, with other hot titles including exclusive releases from Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Jeff Buckley, Thin Lizzy, Paramore, Dijon and more:
Vaughan’s pocket list of popular RSD items:
Customers entered through the cafe and were guided upstairs, where vinyl department guru Andy was holding court and helping people find what they were hunting for:
The most popular titles are going fast, but the store will be open all day. At 4 pm today, Geoff Whitman will be on-hand to sign his new Pearl Jam photobook.
BONUS PHOTOS: Music fans Dan and Joanie Jacobs (from the Admiral Neighborhood Association) were among those in line, and they sent us earlier photos of Vaughan handing out the traditional “Record Store Day bacon” to the crowd (free coffee was available at the corner as well)
8:43 PM: Easy Street is about to close after a 14-hour RSD. One more photo to share, from Geoff Whitman’s book signing:
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from California/Alaska, where some fans are already lined up awaiting Easy Street Records‘ 7 am opening for Record Store Day. This time there’s something extra-special, “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” – a followup to the Grammy-winning singer’s first live album recorded at Easy Street almost 20 years earlier. The album was made from recordings of her appearance at Easy Street last October, which we covered:
Brandi Carlile and her collaborators The Hanseroth Twins stopped by Easy Street today and signed the wall – see it here.
This year’s Westside Awards. will be presented next month by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce – but first, the organization is gathering nominations, and if you want to suggest a business, organization, or community leader, you have one more day! Here again are the four categories:
• Westside Business of the Year recognizes an established business (3 or more years in operation) demonstrating growth, excellence in customer service, and meaningful community involvement.
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year honors a newer business (under 3 years) already making its presence felt through innovation, community engagement and gaining momentum.
• Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year highlights a nonprofit whose dedication to service and social good has left a visible mark on West Seattle.
• Westsider of the Year recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or service has strengthened the community.
Chamber board members choose the winners, who’ll be celebrated at a breakfast event May 20 at The Hall at Fauntleroy. To send in a nomination, use this form – by 5 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15)! (See the list of past winners here.)
Alki Beach Ben & Jerry’s – co-housed with Alki Coffee Co. at 2742 Alki Avenue SW – will offer free ice-cream cones noon-8 pm this Tuesday (April 14). The announcement that six Ben & Jerry’s around the region will participate, including Alki, says it’s a “global tradition of giving away free ice cream to thank fans and celebrate community” and that this year’s giveaway day “will also highlight the region’s strong civic spirit.” In that spirit, the nonprofit, nonpartisan League of Women Voters plans to have reps at Alki to register voters and offer election info. According to the company website, there’s no rules about what flavors they’re giving away – get your favorite.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
More change is on the way for the heart of the Luna Park mini-business district.
Shannon Felix and Jon Felix are looking for new ownership for Avalon Glassworks, which they’ve owned for 23 of its 33 years at 2914 SW Avalon Way.
Their one-of-a-kind business – West Seattle’s only commercial glass-blowing studio and retail shop – is next door to Luna Park Café, which itself changed ownership in 2024 after 35 years.
We talked to the Felixes this afternoon at Avalon Glassworks. Shannon said the decision to sell the business has been a decade in the making. “I’m calling it ‘retiring’ because I don’t have another job or business I’m going to, but” – she said cheerily – “I have a beach house, family in California, a fun dog, a fun husband,” and she feels she’s learned everything she can about art retailing, so it’s time to do something else. Running a small business can be intense, the Felixes know, and for the past decade or so, they’ve been putting things off like visiting family and friends, but now it feels like time to stop deferring, start doing.
They and their landlords – the Bennett family – really want the space to remain a glass-blowing shop, the Felixes say. They’ll be turning it over in good condition, with newer equipment (the sale flyer has specs), and they hope there’s an experienced glass blower who’s ready for their own studio/shop, “somebody with the likelihood of succeeding,” out there.
But they say that won’t be their chief glass-blower Sean Welch, who’s worked for Avalon Glassworks for 20 years – he wants to keep creating blown-glass art, not run a shop, they explain.
But he’s “certainly one of the secrets to our success,” and they count their landlords as another. We asked about highlights of their 23 years; Shannon says she’s “enjoyed coming in every day (and) making new things every day … It’s hard to leave something I love, but I know there are other things [out there] I’m going to love too.”
Ideally, they’d love to be able to turn over the shop by “early summer.” Contact Shannon through the shop to find out more (including getting the entire flyer), or stop by during Avalon Glassworks’s business hours.
A longtime West Seattle retail shop is closing. Willow, formerly Fleurt, at 4536 California SW, announced today that it’s planning to close. The name change happened exactly a year ago, when longtime owner Sam, who founded Fleurt in 2010, turned over the shop to daughter Keonii. Here’s Keonii’s closure announcement:
All good things must come to an end. After 16 wonderful years in the West Seattle Junction, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our shop. This was not an easy choice, but it feels like the right time for us – both as a family and as small business owners – to begin our next chapter.
As for what’s next: I (Keonii) will continue offering flowers and gifts through my online delivery service throughout Seattle. You can find me on Instagram @thedarlingacre and www.thedarlingacre.com.
We are deeply grateful to the many people who have supported us over the years – our West Seattle friends and customers, our incredible vendors (makers, artists, crafters, manufacturers, suppliers, flower and plant growers), fellow Junction business owners, the Junction Association, and so many others beyond the neighborhood. A special heartfelt thank you to the Menashe family for their continued support and encouragement through both the good times and the challenges.
To celebrate our time here, we’ll be holding a massive sale starting on Thursday, April 9th.
It’s been a great run, and we’re truly thankful – but now it’s time for something new.
-Keonii
When Willow’s predecessor Fleurt opened in 2010, it was on the northwest corner of California/Oregon, moving to its current location in 2012.
ADDED: No firm closing date yet, Keonii says, but before month’s end, depending on how the sale oes.
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