Shop Profile: Lark & Key, Charlotte, NC
Lark & Key is a boutique in Charlotte, NC. I recently interviewed owners Sandy Snead and Duy Huynh about their shop and some favorite things about residing and doing business in North Carolina.
Can you tell me more about the designers that you have featured in the shop?
Lark & Key features a variety of goods such as fine art, pottery, jewelry, t-shirts and paper goods from local and national artists, designers and craft persons. Duy (my partner) and I have been lucky over the years to meet many talented individuals through various art exhibits and sales that we have participated in. We have filled the gallery with goods from many of those artists as well as others that I have come across via the internet or through friends.
Jewelry by Sandy, Artwork by Duy
Duy is not only co-owner; he is also one of our primary artists. His contemplative acrylic paintings symbolically reflect geographical and cultural displacement. While much of his work is deeply personal, his clever and often times humorous use of symbolism and wordplay invites the viewer to create their own storyline. A few of the other artists we represent are Charlotte Foust (her mixed media collage), Jessica Stoddart, Jessica Pisano and Flora Bowley. We are adding a few to the mix this fall such as Michelle Caplan and Lisa Kairos.
Painting by Flora Bowley
North Carolina is well known for it’s pottery and we are lucky to have many local potters grace our shop, including Amy Sanders and Ron Philbeck. Jewelry is another major component of the gallery. We focus on jewelry that has been handmade – there must be some element of the piece that has been fabricated or manipulated in some way as represented by designers such as TQB, WPR Jewelry and Mani Designs. Of course we also carry Adorn, my line of jewelry. Unfortunately it has been put on the ‘backburner’ while I run the gallery but I do get a few pieces made here and there. We also carry some artists and designers that are well know to the blog world such as Alena Hennessy, Jessica Gonacha and Supermaggie.
What makes Lark & Key unique?
I know it isn’t the traditional business model, but our main goal was to create a space filled only with things we love and would actually purchase for our home. Some of my past jobs (in visual display and textile design) were highly focused on the latest trend and many people subscribe to that or make purchases, especially fine art, from an investment point of view. We feel that a connection to what you are buying is the most important thing. All of our items are made by hand and carry the story of the artists that created them. Our hope is that customers are drawn in by those stories or are able to find a story of their own.
T-Shirt from Alenna Hennessy, Necklace by Mani Designs
Lark & Key is not a traditional fine art or craft gallery. Most of us don’t live in ‘showrooms’ and we wanted that to be reflected in the layout of the space, in the items we use for display and most of all in the way our goods are showcased. Although we have many kinds of styles of art represented there is cohesiveness to them and a mix of old and new elements that create a warm and inviting place where anyone can walk in and find something- whether for $5 or $5000 - or simply be inspired.
What was the impetus for starting the shop?
Duy and I met about six years ago – we were set up beside each other at an outdoor art event. We eventually started dating and from the beginning we both talked about having our own place one day. It was just always this little vision in the back of our minds. Duy was in the early stages of getting gallery representation. I was freelancing in the textile industry (designing bedding and bath products) and working on my jewelry. Over the years many galleries added him to their roster and I rented small spaces in Asheville and Charlotte where I sold my jewelry and work from a few other friends. I continued to participate in art/craft shows around the state as well as organizing one at a local yoga studio. We often talked and made plans for our future gallery without really knowing when, where or how it would happen. A name was decided upon and a vision was solidified. I had become more and more disillusioned with my design jobs and really wanted another outlet but the idea of actually opening a gallery seemed out of reach. After many months of pondering what to do I kept coming back to the idea of a gallery/boutique and finally made the decision one day, without a doubt, that I would work towards that goal. We figured it would be another 3-4 years before Lark & Key became a reality but somewhere along the way there was a shift and our dream started to take shape. We signed a lease within a year of my BIG decision and opened the gallery a few months later.
What are some of your favorite places and things about North Carolina?
Honestly, we tend to be homebodies and now most of my time is spent at the gallery while Duy is painting in his studio. We are pretty low key – dinner with friends, an occasional movie, any bookstore (where we can spend hours and too much money) and Metrolina Expo (a large antique market). The Sleepy Poet is also great for antiques and interesting used goods. Paper Skyscraper is one of our favorite spots for gifts – something for anyone on your list – books, home décor, candles, baby gifts, etc. And Lark & Key of course! When we decide to get out of town for a day or two Asheville is our first choice. Where ever we go our trips usually revolve around art, antiques and food.
Speaking of food, what are your favorite NC restaurants?
That is a hard one! We love food and like places that are laid back. Some favorite Charlotte spots: Amelie’s French Bakery, Lang Van (Vietnamese), Dolce (for Italian), Monsoon (for Thai) and the local farmer’s markets. On trips to Asheville we always have to eat at Tupelo Honey Café.
Do you have any favorite North Carolina musicians?
Some of our favorite local musicians (and friends) include The Houston Brothers, Nicolette Emanuelle, Volatile Baby, That Guy Smitty and Dirty Drummer. Also – Tara Busch, a unique talent that has moved on to LA but has roots in Charlotte.
What advice can you give to other designers in North Carolina about following their own passions?
After years of trying to figure out what my passion truly is I have to say the biggest piece of advice I can offer is to listen to your gut. Most creative types seem to get overwhelmed with all the possibilities of what interests them and what they think they might want to do. There are many things I am passionate about but haven’t necessarily wanted to pursue as a full-time career - some things are better left as a hobby, as an escape from the rest of the world, as a personal journey. Hundreds of ideas may swirl around but listen to that little voice that is always in the background repeating itself. That voice may be telling you to enjoy your passions and keep them close or it may be telling you to move forward and share your dreams with the world.
If you choose to follow your passions by turning them into your business you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Research and planning are key components to moving forward, however they mean nothing if you do not have a strong sense of what you want to accomplish and the discipline to follow through. Surround yourself with people that believe in your goals and always remember, especially on the toughest of days, why you love what you are doing.
Looks great girl…I like it!