AROUND THE PARK AGAIN by Sharon Lee Tegler
Brought to you by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu & Tai Chi
We first met The Thrifter Chicks’ Heather McPhee and sister Maria Carlton as vendors at Rose Walker’s Bohemian Black Festival in 2023 and, most recently, saw them again at the Greater Severna Park & Arnold Chamber’s SHOPTOBERFEST at Park Plaza in October.
While chatting with McPhee on that occasion, she invited us to visit The Thrifter Chicks’ new shop at Local by design at The Gallery in Annapolis’s Design District and we happily accepted.
We didn’t know what to expect but, as big SHOP LOCAL fans, we were dazzled by what we found. There were two amazing warehouses divided into scores of spaces for working artists, artisans and designers. High above the combined artists’ spaces on the main floor, we spied the airy loft where The Thrifter Chicks’ shop is located, ascended the stairs and were greeted by Heather McPhee.
Carlton wasn’t able to join us but McPhee was delighted to show off some of the treasures the business sources to sell. She started with some of the vintage glassware for which The Thrifter Chicks are best known.
We couldn’t help but notice that shoppers passing through made a beeline for the glassware first thing. Pointing out some of her favorite clothing and accessories as we walked through the shop, McPhee related how she became involved with thrifting as a hobby that eventually led to starting a business.
“My sister Maria and I have been thrifters since we were kids,” she said. “When younger, we would go to thrift stores to put together our Halloween costumes. We’d find a pretty dress, reinvent it with personal touches and become a fairy princess, a prom queen or a bride.”
“We went on visiting thrift stores through high school and college and bought some of our clothes there,” she continued. “We’d find a perfectly beautiful cashmere sweater for two or three dollars or an equally inexpensive one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry or accessory.”
Though she’d been a teacher earlier, Heather McPhee was married with four children and was a stay-at-home mom when it occurred to her that she’d really like to get back to doing something. She realized that she could use her thrifting skills in an entrepreneurial way and began selling vintage items on Etsy which she loved doing. Her success with that initial endeavor provided the impetus to take the next step.
“I continued to sell things on Etsy,” McPhee said. “However, I also began buying clothing and items for the home that were not vintage to sell at vendor events and Maria joined me in starting The Thrifter Chicks. Luckily, when we started, I’d already collected a lot of things but we needed to source additional pieces.”
“Selling our merchandise as vendors is always fun but labor intensive with packing and unpacking the merchandise. I soon came to the realization that it would be better to be in one spot. I’d been coming here to Local by design at The Gallery for workshops for some time. So, when a space became available, I took it and it’s worked so well. Our hours here are 11 to 4 pm Wednesdays through Saturdays which is perfect for me as a busy mom. We’re open an extra Sunday at the end of each month.”
The sisters’ talent for finding and retailing clothing and accessories that are stylish and sustainable is, by now, finely developed. Whether trendy, classic, or vintage, the fashions the shop carries are chic.
As far as McPhee is concerned, finding complementary accessories is essential though it takes some sleuthing to find them. She says thrift shops and estate sales are still a primary source but time and patience are required and there’s a definite learning curve when searching for clothes or accessories like handbags and shoes, or jewelry.
She’s become a pro at making the items she collects ready for sale. Shoes, for example, receive a disinfectant treatment and McPhee has become expert at stain removal.
“When I find a wonderful item but there’s a stain or discoloration, I’ll take a chance and buy it with hope of restoring it,” she said. “Sometimes I use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for fabrics but, for grease or oil stains you can’t beat Dawn dish detergent.”
The Thrifter Chicks carry a limited selection of products for the home that includes seasonal items. But it’s their passion for jewelry – especially vintage jewelry – that is evident in multiple displays.
With so many treasures to offer, the shop would be a great place to look for Christmas gifts. Like the businesses surrounding them, The Thrifter Chicks is about to add some holiday touches. Meantime, McPhee is busy with a new endeavor. She is working with two other business owners who have started a staging business called Hopper House.
“We stage homes being readied for sale, streamlining the furnishings while adding pieces or accessories that add interest or highlight the finer points of the home. It’s really been fun,” she said.
Heather McPhee loves being part of The Gallery. In fact, she took us on a tour through both warehouses and introduced us to three of her favorite artists.
Just around the corner from The Thrifter Chicks, we found artist Jenny Woodruff hard at work hand-painting fired pottery. A watercolor artist by trade, Woodruff also sells some of the artwork on the wall behind her. She’s already added a small evergreen and other holiday touches in anticipation of the Local by design at The Gallery Artisan’s Market from November 28th thru 30th.
Moving on, we met J. J. Hogan standing in the midst of the nautically themed artwork she creates and sells at her business Golden Lines & Silver Linings.
Wandering on, we passed through hallways chock-a-block with artwork and shops featuring designer clothing intertwined with furniture shops and photography studios.
Eventually, we came to Tessier Studio where artist Carol Tessier was working with fabric creations to which she was adding gold leaf. She, too, was already beginning to add some holiday touches.
We had fun visiting The Thrifter Chicks and chatting with McPhee about the process of finding and giving thrift shop clothing and home items a second life and we appreciated her generosity in showing us around Local by design at The Gallery which is located at 1818 Margaret Avenue off Chinquapin Road in Annapolis. For those who SHOP LOCAL, it’s well worth the trip.
Reminders re upcoming Holiday Events
With so many holiday events breaking fast and furious, we’re listing a few that are imminent.
Pink Friday to support Small Businesses in Olde Severna Park this Friday, November 21
Woods Church annual Holiday Bazaar takes place this Saturday, November 22nd from 9 am to 1 pm.
Severna Park Elks Small Business Saturday at 160 Truckhouse Road, November 29th
Park Books Holiday Vendor Fair in Olde Severna Park, Sunday, November 30, 10 am-1 pm.
The Around The Park Again column is brought to you this week by Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi at 1195 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. – For over two decades providing martial arts training that improves cardio-vascular health, strength and flexibility while reducing stress. Jing Ying is again bringing Tai Chi to the Severna Park Community Center. From health-defense to self-defense, Jing Ying provides fitness with a purpose for the whole family!
and by Lean On Dee Senior Home Care Services at 815 Ritchie Hwy., Suite 206 – When you need someone to lean on, Lean On Dee. Their experienced team of personal care management specialists and friendly companions provide high quality consistent care.
Great spotlight @Heather McPhee is a talent!