Retail store mixes old and new designs

Diane Schwartz and her husband, Roger Gallamore, never intended to have their own retail business. In fact, it was not until the economy began to slip that they even needed to consider options for employment.

The pair had worked for a homebuilder in Jarrell where Gallamore was a carpenter and painter, but after the business closed, the couple had to find a way to support themselves.

"We really didn't have anything else to do," Schwartz said. "Instead of just sitting at home and being unemployed, we had to do something."

Schwartz began selling antique furniture and other items out of Gatherings on the Square, which led to the pair traveling to various antique shows and market days in Fredericksburg, Canton, and Warrington and Round Top.

In 2011, the pair opened their own small retail store and later that same year moved to a larger space on Williams Drive and expanded the store's hours.

The store is a mix of antique and reproduction period furniture, some of which has been repaired or repainted, and some of the stock is Gallamore's own handiwork. When he's not traveling with Schwartz or taking care of things at the shop, his passion for carpentry is put to work by building custom furniture from old doors and other items, he said.

"That's really what I like to do," Gallamore said.

Most of the items in the store are in whites and neutral colors because that is what Schwartz likes, she said.

"I like neutral colors so you can mix and match," she said.

Since opening a retail space, Schwartz has added clothing and jewelry to stock her shelves.

"The clothing came in simply because I've always dressed with sort of a flair, and everyone always wanted to wear my clothes," Schwartz said. "My ideas are to have things that no one else has—one-of-a-kind things. I like that look. I don't like everybody else having my jewelry, and most people don't."

The couple still travels often to markets to sell furniture and other items, but Schwartz said she hopes business in the store picks up enough so they can stay at home.

"We've been very blessed with friends and family and customers, and it's been a long road," Schwartz said. "It's hard—it's hard work, and our goal is to be here all the time and not be traveling."

Blends Boutique, 4230 Williams Drive, 658-5850, www.facebook.com/pages/Blends-Georgetown-TX/190187017663999