A Dogpatch Store Inspired by Functional Beauty~Industrious Life
We’re so excited to interview long-time friends Patti Davidson and Patti Quill who worked together in various art and design businesses before creating their own space @industriouslife. Their store in SF’s Dogpatch neighborhood features inspired work from exceptional designers and craftspeople. Let’s hear about their journey and what inspires them in the interview comments below…
SKUE: Hi Patti! Thanks for being with us. I have three questions for you. Q1: You have a great mix of skillfully crafted pieces at the store. How do you decide what to bring in and who to showcase?
PATTI: Thanks for asking us into your Instagram world. We’re happy to talk with you today!
We like a real mix because it’s how we live — we think it’s the way most people live. We especially like juxtaposing interesting vintage pieces with new design. With all of the work we carry the decision comes down to craftsmanship, beauty, and function. We’re most excited by pieces that are well made with great lines whether it is in ceramics, glass, textiles, jewelry or furniture — we look for all of those things.
Our goal is to support the craftspeople and ideas that we value. Ironically, that can be difficult when well meaning folks think they’re being more supportive by going directly to the maker after finding them in a shop. What they miss is that the small shops needs interaction and support to be able to provide visibility to the artists & makers. It’s a full circle that’s good for the whole community — not just a straight line.
SKUE: So true it needs to be a reciprocal relationship. Great shops tie the neighborhood together so it’s essential to show support! 👏🏻 Which brings up the next Q: As a shopkeeper what is one new habit in the past 5 years that’s had a significant impact on your business?
PATTI: think we’d say the most important habit is to make sure that we keep ourselves inspired. Instagram is an amazing resource and is a great way for us to see what’s out there in the ether. Its especially interesting to see what’s inspiring the people we work with and how it turns up in their work later.
SKUE: ❤️ that growth mindset for keeping up with new ideas. Inspiration goes both ways. The next Q we’ve heard often from emerging designers (and it’s a tough one). Q: What do wish makers would make more of?
PATTI: That’s an interesting question — while there is a definite benefit for makers to design ‘production’ pieces — and some of these provide a bedrock for our shop — it just doesn’t make sense for shops in one geographical area to carry the same items. It’s actually counter-productive. We are always looking for one-of-a-kind pieces, but it’s more of a challenge. We want our shop to be an inspiration for our customers — a unique experience — a place where they come to find ‘that special thing’ that is the perfect gift, but keep for themselves.
We’d also tell makers to allow themselves the time to develop a piece and to make it really well. Once you have the skill and discipline, you can make anything.
SKUE: True as makers ourselves we can say it is more fun to make one of kind versus production pieces anyways, but hope there’s a happy balance somewhere. Neighborhood shops can provide that kind of guidance. Another way seasoned store owners add more value to society and the maker movement. Thank you for that!
This was fun! thanks for giving us a peek into your life and the workings of one of SF’s beloved stores! This is super insightful stuff to share with the community! 🙏
PATTI: Thank you, this is a great community to be part of and its an exciting time to live on the West Coast. There are so many great craftspeople — trying their hands at new mediums, experimenting. We’ve watched quite a few develop their own voice as they progress. We’ve also been fortunate to work with some of these folks, and in some cases, develop new pieces with them that are unique to our shop.
Thanks for including us today!
Every week we do live interviews on Instagram @skue.co with our makers & buyers before featuring them here. Interested in joining our wholesale collective? Apply at skue.co/merchants
