Shop Friends: Pleasing Pantry

Designer Sue Rich of Pleasing Pantry truly elevates the products in our studio,
and not just in a flattering way! She creates one of a kind pedestals from
orphaned vintage plates and the results are absolutely beautiful & personal statements
for your home or party. Just imagine stacking these with candies or savories for a stand-out bridal shower or tea! Sue is wonderful to work with and has such a great eye that I asked her to share some words with us on her passion.

above: aside from great touches for your event or wedding, the miniature
pedestals are perfect for placing your jewelry atop


Sue, where do you find inspiration for your vintage pedestals?

I make frequent trips to the East Coast where I comb through
flea-markets and antiques shops, and I am always inspired by the detail
and craftsmanship of the items that I discover and rescue.  On my
travels I collect anything that catches my eye, from orphaned vintage
pieces, to vintage kitchen linens or even old picnic baskets.  I am
often tempted by various random items that now sit in my studio until
the perfect idea to recycle them and give them a new life hits me.


What is your background and has this always been something you've been
interested in?

As a younger woman I studied Graphic Design in Boston.  When life
carried me to Seattle from the East Coast, I noticed the nostalgic
pieces I loved hunting for back east were far less prevalent here.  I
then conceived the idea to turn my hobby of collecting and transforming
these treasures into a business. I've always valued the nostalgia and
comfort these vintage pieces evoke.

What has been the best thing about starting Pleasing Pantry?

Rescuing these orphaned plates and creating a beautiful, useful
pedestal is a joy for me. The icing on the cake is when a customer is
surprised to recognize their grandmother's pattern and the excitement
they feel knowing they'll enjoy looking at it daily. So many people
pack their china away in a cabinet and enjoy it maybe once a year.  My
pedestal's enable people to bring a little of that specialness into
their day to day lives.

What has been the hardest?
For me the hardest part has been finding the time necessary to run
the 'business' aspects of the business. I run the entire business on my
own.  I do the designing, marketing, packing and shipping, and
accounting myself. I recognize that soon in order to continue growing
my business I am going to have to get some help. This is the hardest step
to make.


Where in Seattle are your favorite little haunts to shop, eat and hang out?

Seattle is a great city for enjoying good food made with local and/or
organic ingredients, great shopping offering local artisans, and an
always booming indie music scene. I live in the Capitol Hill
neighborhood and often visit the Volunteer Park Cafe
(alwaysfreshgoodness.com ). The owners are two of the nicest girls
you'll ever meet and everything they offer is delicious. Try the freshly
baked chocolate chunk cherry cookie, egg and prosciutto panini and a
pomegranate lemonade. Yes, I eat the cookie first.


Thank you Sue for your inspiring work! Please click here to see more of Sue's
designs as well as a list of locations where you can purchase her products.