Sierra Madre's Belle's Nest is 'Here to Support the Creative Community'

I spent some time  with with Elena Alonzo and Gloria Prins , co-owners and in-store artists of at 55 N. Baldwin right here in Sierra Madre. This charming and plentiful creative artists boutique opened on Feb 2, 2010, Groundhog Day

Gloria and Elena, who are sisters, come to Sierra Madre with strong business and creative backgrounds as well as years of professional experience in high end retail sales merchandizing. They owned two shops in Old Town Pasadena in the late 80's called Dusk & Dusk Men, (boutiques for accessories and apparel, high end designer wear...  think early Kate spade, Diesel, Big Star, etc.)

Both women work as artists in Belle's Nest; Elena focusing on  textiles and Gloria - Jewelry, soy candles. They also are flea market aficionados, always searching for the next best fleamarket finds to repurpose,

"We look at everything with potential, how we can bring it to life."

They treat the artists who show and sell in the store with enthusiasm. They enjoy meeting new artists and finding ways to work together to bring authentic, American hand-made, gifts, jewelry, household items, apparel and functional and fine art that is unique.  They also collaborate with their artists on series for exhibitions as well as product lines.

"With so many creative people in this town it is inspiring. We truly love what we do and we wanted to help artists out here and now in this community. Our kids go to school here and we like the fact that the community supports the local businesses. We are friends with our vendors and services,  and so many people in town are connected. We saw this space in Sierra Madre and it spoke to us. After several years of  participating in many vendor driven art show shows and events, and participating in art classes and art and craft fairs we wanted a  more permanent place for us to be grounded and develop roots.  We also wanted to bring a group of artists under one roof, to celebrate the art of hand made.

"In our economy, everything being outsourced. We want to emphasize, hand made in America. We want to revive shopping local, urging people to remember to shop in their own community. When you purchase here you are taking home a piece made by someone in your own community. 80% of our merchandize is handmade; 20% commercial. We are also developing a collection of vintage textiles."

Belle's Nest also helps artists find their their way to the market place by creating exposure, an environment for their work to flourish, and a step to get to the next level, be it more gallery shows, more custom work, possibly being picked up by a sales rep.

"We are here to  support the hand made and we are here to support the creative community."

Reflecting upon their first year and plans for the future:

"We are exceeding expectations as far as response from the community.  Word of mouth has played the most in our success.  What you put into the business is what you get back. 

"Our next challenge is expanding our marketing, and  getting known in the business community.  

"We hope that our shop benefits all the businesses in town, developing a  nice variety of shops in town for people to visit. We are developing an online presence, and and online shop. We plan to host more events on a regular basis."

Belle's Nest is  also beginning a series of  art workshops and classes and will be sending out an email blast out soon.

"We believe in cross promoting, we are artists helping other artists, referring each other. We are very approachable!

"We like to take something that you have created, that comes from within your artistic self, and somehow make it work so that it is salable, if not now then in the future,, we like to help you make what you have salable.

"We explain the artistic process to clients, explain to them that they are paying for the unique, so  people understand that it is not just  a piece of art but it is one of a kind.

"Our clients think and come back,  sometimes several times, and really consider about their purchases.  Today clients like to be very positive before they spend their money , and make many revisits before the item is purchased."

If you haven't visited Belle's Nest yet. Please stop by.  It is really delightful place to spend some time and you will discover so many truly unique and beautifully made things, you may not be able to resist the urge to make a purchase. 

Whether you do or not, you will feel entirely welcome by Elena and Gloria.  Spend time in the shop, visit their garden and developing nursery area.  Leave some feedback on what you find there. And let us know.