Women selling home goods and accessories with Chez Nous Marketplace include Autumn Edwards, Jamie Rehm, Virginia Petitte and Lauren Howley.
Photo by Emily CrismanSignal Mountain residents Jamie Rehm, Lauren Howley and Autumn Edwards are teaming up with Virginia Petitte to offer unique home goods and accessories through Chez Nous Marketplace.
Rehm and Edwards did their first show at Christmastime in Rehm's Olde Towne mansion, creating the complimentary combination of Edwards' burlap bags with Rehm's fresh floral arrangements.
Howley was a customer at the show, and the other artists were so impressed with the look of her handmade burlap and fabric flowers they asked her to participate in Chez Nous.
Translating to "where we live" in French, the first Chez Nous Marketplace was held recently, again at Rehm's home.
"We wanted it to be a home market where someone could act as hostess," said Rehm. "The idea of Chez Nous Marketplace is to appeal to other moms like us who look for unique things you're not going to find everywhere."
As mothers, Rehm, Howley and Edwards appreciate the opportunity to delve into their creative outlets while keeping their children as their top priority.
"It's the best of both worlds -- we are able to use our creative juices, but not have the responsibility of a storefront," said Howley.
Petitte seeks out accessories and home goods from companies across the country for her business Addiah. She met Edwards through the Clay Pot, where both women are still selling items.
The artists are continuing to look for more vendors who fit in with their style, and are building their client base through friends, social organizations they belong to and their children's schools.
They plan to keep the schedule flexible for Chez Nous, another benefit to selling out of a home as opposed to a storefront. They said they would like to do seasonal themes, and viewed first event as a kick-off for spring.
Eventually will offer some sort of tutorial to help other women become inspired to create.
"When they come, they can not only shop for themselves, but learn to make something to take home," said Howley.
Possibilities include table arrangements, gift-wrapping and teacher's gifts.
MARKET PLACE
The ladies of Chez Nous will next be at the Chattanooga Market Sunday, May 8 (Mother's Day.) Visit Chez Nous Marketplace on Facebook, blog.laladesign.com or addiah.com.