Burger and Feezell met while in the Peace Corps in Panama. After returning to the U.S., they lived in Portland, Ore., before making their way to Bellingham in August. "Bellingham reminds us of a smaller version of Portland, which is what we were looking for," Burger said. The engaged couple did their research and came to the conclusion that Fairhaven was the best place for their new business. They signed a lease in August and immediately began work on finding products to sell and moving into their new space. "We had a lot of local artists contact us; it was great to see the amazing things being created," Feezell said. Burger and Feezell will be working at the store full-time. They discovered they could do this after working in the small villages while in the Peace Corps. "We've learned that you have to be light-hearted when working with someone getting a business started, and not let the little issues bother you," Burger said.
Lauren Burger and Justin Feezell discovered they could work well together through challenging situations in the Peace Corps, so they've decided to continue that partnership in a new business
New Fairhaven retail store focusing on local, handmade products
DAVE GALLAGHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
Lauren Burger and Justin Feezell discovered they could work well together through challenging situations in the Peace Corps, so they've decided to continue that partnership in a new business.
Last week they opened The Handmade Life at 910 Harris Ave., in the Harris Square courtyard near Chispa. The gift shop features a variety of items from about 25 local and regional artists, including jewelry, photos, paintings, wood-carved housewares, clothing, pillows and stuffed animals. Burger has her own line of perfume oils, lotions, soap and shaving bars that she had been selling through her online store called DressGreen.
"We wanted to have a store with local crafters making unique gifts for people that are hard to buy for," said Burger.
The handmade tag is Burger's and Feezell's way of saying many of the products in the store are one-of-a-kind products that aren't replicated.
"You'll find pillows here that are by the same artist, but they've used different fabric each time," Burger said.
Burger and Feezell met while in the Peace Corps in Panama. After returning to the U.S., they lived in Portland, Ore., before making their way to Bellingham in August.
"Bellingham reminds us of a smaller version of Portland, which is what we were looking for," Burger said.
The engaged couple did their research and came to the conclusion that Fairhaven was the best place for their new business. They signed a lease in August and immediately began work on finding products to sell and moving into their new space.
"We had a lot of local artists contact us; it was great to see the amazing things being created," Feezell said.
Burger and Feezell will be working at the store full-time. They discovered they could do this after working in the small villages while in the Peace Corps.
"We've learned that you have to be light-hearted when working with someone getting a business started, and not let the little issues bother you," Burger said.
The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. They will have an opening reception for the community on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 392-8213.
