One year ago she found herself a victim of the downturn in the economy. She had been working for local high-end jewelry designers for a few years, but found herself in the panic-inducing situation of being laid off. Instead of seeking another job with another jewelry designer, she decided to figure out how to make it on her own. She began with her own line of jewelry, and shortly after launching decided to open a boutique in the emerging and eclectic South Austin offering handmade items from many different designers.
She found a space, but that space began as an incredibly funky, run-down head shop! From top to bottom, and with a boundless imagination, she single-handedly transformed this space. Schatzelein, her new boutique, emerged from very humble beginnings to become a beautiful stylish space.
Here’s a little taste of what Christine did:
- Tore down a run-down shed that was attached to the building
- Replaced the front door
- Painted the exterior and built a sign
- Re-drywalled and repainted inside
- Built tiered display shelves
- Repaired a hole in the wall and painted over a rather interesting mural
- Put down all new floors
- Built a cash wrap for the back of the shop
- Built two exterior decks
- Created beautiful branch "chandeliers" for the ceiling
Christine had some help from a couple of friends with painting the exterior and building some furniture, but she orchestrated and implemented all of the other DIY projects herself. She even reupholstered the white leather chair! She is currently working on the studio space in the back where she creates fail, her own line of jewelry. Combined with remodeling her own home in East Austin, Christine has achieved a humbling number of very impressive projects.
Personally, I choose to be inspired by Christine rather than feel inferior...but it's not always easy!
Images: before photos by Christine Fail, after photos by Jessica Tata
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Wow!
Inspiring.
Very impressive. Way to see the bones and all it can be through the dismal first impression. Gorgeous!
this is so inspiring. Great job!!
Awesome... I would totally shop there :-)
What is a "cash wrap" on the back of the building?
Lovely after photo's. Must have been a pricy reno but the end product is beautiful. I like that you maintained the house feel rather than just an open department store space.
How much did she spend?
So cute and very charming wish you success in your new adventure.
"What is a "cash wrap" on the back of the building?"
Cash wrap is a counter/storage free standing or built in where the customer pays, holds the register/computer, and a place to wrap, bag and check out with displayed impulse items.
My first thought: "It's a TARDIS!"
Then I realized you just showed us the short-side exterior shot. ;)
It looks like an upscale boutique. Well done! I would love to go shopping there.
"Cash wrap" is retail industry speak for the cash register, usually with a counter to bag the purchases.
Cute!
Off topic but my daughter is called Schatzelein by her Oma! Little treasure!
eek! we have the same lovely brown/ yellow tile from the third picture in - in our bathroom right now- in the middle of renovation... soon to be gone!
It looks like she took a dumpy shack and did something wonderful with it. Great job.
That is so pretty!!
Hahaha...this is so cool. I have been in and shopped at the Glassy Knoll - the head shop that used to be housed in this building. It was a really shitty building so I'm glad to see that it has been redone, but I have to say, the Glassy Knoll was a pretty cool place. The people who worked there did glass-blowing while you were browsing. So basically, whatever pipe you took home that day was replaced by another handmade/blown piece of art later that day. Pretty cool stuff.
Didn't realize the glassy knoll wasn't there anymore. I'll have to check this place out.
I'm sad the glassy knoll closed down.