My labor of love for a few years, Helen & Earl was a hat shop and lifestyle boutique located in Dormont, four miles south of downtown Pittsburgh. Named after my late grandparents, the shop mixed old-world and modern, tradition and pop.

I developed the brand, built out the space, and ran all brick-and-mortar and ecommerce operations. When you’re the sole owner/operator of a retail shop, you’re a buyer, creative director, and marketer; but you’re also a hauler, snow shoveler, neighbor, and therapist. I have stories.

Collaborators: My friend and craftsman Ed Zeiler, aka Wood & Wrench (build-out); Jennifer Moore (logo design); Maria Lucia Venegas (exterior design).