SF Store Sneak Preview: BellJar

We are so inspired by folks who can give up that comfy day job (with the regular paycheck and medical benefits that often come with it) to pursue their true passion. Now, we can add Sasha Wingate to that list of people. Formerly an art director for the likes of big-name retailers like Levi's and the Gap, Sasha is fulfilling a longtime dream of hers and setting up shop in the Mission District. Although she's busy preparing for this weekend's grand opening party, she was kind enough to give us a peek at BellJar.

In addition to BellJar, Sasha runs Swallow Tail Design. "My clients are mostly non-profit and arts-related," she said. "I do event signage and custom invitations for the San Francisco Opera, the Baroque Philharmonic, Marin Legal Aid, Santa Barbara Music Academy of the west, amongst others." We're excited to hear that Sasha is also hoping to create a wedding invitation line in the near future.

For now though, she's focused on stocking the store with some great designers. In the home department, you'll find goods by Roost, local ceramicist Whitney Smith, Thomas Paul, and vintage fabric pillows by Dolin O'Shea. (Even though this is a home design blog, we just have to mention that Sasha will also be carrying some of our favorite clothing lines, including Jovovich-Hawk and Mike & Chris.)