A Shabby Chic Style Maven

Can you imagine being able to say you worked with Rachel Ashwell

back in the days when her company exploded on the scene?

Shayna can~she lives in this beautiful old house now in Nashville,

and I will be sharing it with you, as well as

a little bit about her interesting experience working at Shabby Chic.

While we look at Shayna's lovely home lets listen to her story:

I had a modeling career in fashion that took me to NYC to work years ago. My studio where I lived was in Soho & of course Rachel's store was located near there too. I always passed by her store front & was an admirer of her romantic, clean, comfortable chic style. I thought to myself.. "One day I would like this look for my home... it is very me"! I already was a flea market hunter from a young age as I loved the soul/look of old pieces & was always on the look out for unique pieces to collect for my "one day" house. Rachel's furniture was very costly at the time (still is).. so I waited & saved!

Eventually I moved to San Francisco & bought my first apartment with my husband in Lower Pacific Heights (where the SF store was located). Again, her store was in close proximity to my apartment. "This was definitely meant to be!!"..

One day I passed the window & took a double take! I thought.. "Wow... I love that fabric & I love that sofa it is on"!.. Quickly I ran into the store to inquire about it.... Pricey, but beautiful & so comfy with all the feather & down pillows.. not to mention.. velvet covered from Holland!!!

I had to find a way to have it along with all the beautiful slip covered chairs, chandeliers & bits & bobs... I remember saying to myself.. "How can we afford all this after buying an apartment in the city"??.. I am a driven person though!..So, I marched in the store and asked if they needed part time help. It just so happens they did!!

I worked there for three years spending most , if not ALL of my pay checks on many amazing pieces. I also had the amazing opportunity to work & learn from some very talented pickers, designers & clients. My job was all about designing other peoples interiors with the furniture, linens, odd vintage pieces & style I loved.

It was so much fun & created my love for Rachel's style. Through the years, I of course have changed my style a bit.. throwing in more color.. even victorian black & adding different types of flea market finds.