Marie Theriault owns Artisans Boutique in Wakefield.
Your store has an interesting premise behind it. What’s your inspiration?
In my “other life” I am an attorney dealing with significant issues involving humans of all walks of life. This past summer, the opportunity arose to open the Boutique and to surround myself with locally created and extraordinary gifts. Everything here is local and handmade. I have carefully chosen my artisans and I have established a knowledgeable and personal relationship with each. But most of all, I am thankful to Luisa DeLuca who was my initial artisan consultant and advisor and whom without I may not have accomplished opening the boutique.
Why do you think it’s important to support local artists?
I have committed to selling only Rhode Island artisan goods because I believe in giving back. Personally, I cannot efficiently market items unless I meet the artisan in person, establish a unique and individual relationship and learn about the process of the creation. I must want to purchase each and every item I offer for sale.
How do you create a personalized experience for your customers?
From the start, my skills allowed me to personalize each and every artisan and his or her work with great detail. I have several customers who shop by appointment only due to their schedules and I also offer the personal service of retrieving items directly from my artisans for the customer. For example, if a client would like to try on a jewelry piece that they saw on an artisan's website, I can bring the piece to the boutique instead of the customer traveling to Providence or Pawtucket. I have also arranged for my customers who purchased paintings to meet the artist in person. I provide a unique and personalized service to my customers and I am loyal to my artisans.
What’s a versatile jewelry style that’s popular this winter?
All of my jewelry artisans offer exquisite and unique pieces. Amie Plante’s oxidized silver pieces and Luisa DeLuca’s glass and stone pieces are very earthy. The “movie stars” purchase Jessica Ricci’s jewelry and her Raw Collection displays colors that are brilliant and will take away the winter blues.
What qualities should readers look for in handmade jewelry versus store-bought?
In my opinion, there really is no comparison to the jewelry that I offer for sale. I have carefully chosen only four jewelry artisans thus far and their jewelry tells a story that is unique to each piece and therefore unique to each customer who has purchased jewelry at the boutique. For example, many of Jessica Ricci’s pieces were designed from lace that she found in Rome, Paris and Buenos Aires. Her stories are inspiring and may be viewed on her website. Amie Plante’s creations are also like no other and may also be viewed in more detail on her website.
What’s the new trend in home goods at your store?
Oliveira Textiles. Dawn Oliviera creates brilliant and consciences products with her water based, environmentally safe dyed, organic cotton hemp and/or silk collections. She was recently featured in Yankee Magazine. Her creations range from being commissioned to redesign homes with her fabrics and pillows or to make the perfect dress for a special event. She also designs coats, hats, belts and small purses (to mention a few) with her unique fabrics.
What piece can you not live without that you sell?
Too difficult to choose but if I were to hit a small lottery, I would purchase all of my custom made wood furniture from Corwin Butterworth, my dishes would be stoneware made by Bev Blitzer and glass from Alice Gebhart, my bowls would be made by Lynnworks and my walls would be graced with Linda’s paintings. Many of my small rugs would be designed and made by Dolores Bannister. I would only use Cathryn Violet’s soaps in my bath and shower (as my family does now) and I would display small photo’s of my family and friends on Nancy’s beach rock holders. Last but not least, I would commission Scribe Calligraphy to make my party invitations.
Do you feel that the “locally made” brand is an extension of the Rhode Island lifestyle?
Yes. In Rhode Island we are graced with miles and miles of pristine shores and preserved land. We protect our environment, we love to farm, garden and eat lots of local seafood. So why purchase goods made in other countries when we can foster our own economy and buy the best right here in RI.
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