St. Petersburg resident Erika Basher is passionate about creativity and home decor. It makes sense. She has been an interior designer for years.
After overseeing a pop-up at the Hostess gift shop and wine bar, at 2635 Central Ave., earlier this year, Basher decided to create her own brick-and-mortar location. Peacock Home, a home goods and vintage shop, officially opened Oct. 1 on the second floor of the Hostess building.
The idea grew out of a desire for change.
Traveling for appointments was no longer an interest for the entrepreneur. After receiving encouragement from friends, Basher decided to pursue the retail route.
Peacock Home offers a variety of things including chairs, tables, chairs, sofas, pillows, jewelry, artwork and gift items.
“It’s not just about furniture,” she explained. “It’s about finding unique, fun pieces that people sometimes, I think, are intimidated by because they just don’t know how to make them look cool. I just want people to have fun again in their houses.”
Vintage items are a key part of the experience. She argued that these products have great quality and do not have to be expensive.
For Basher, it’s all about the joy that comes with the job.
“I just want people to know that you can do anything you want,” she said. “Your home should reflect who you are and you don’t need to be scared of it. You need to enjoy it and embrace it.”
Many of Peacock Home’s goods are globally sourced. To find them, Basher travels to different countries. She has visited places such as Morocco, Italy and France. More trips are in the works. Basher is currently planning journeys to Mexico City, Ireland and Scotland.
This has created a unique inventory for Peacock Home. She explained that she does not purchase items in “mass quantities.” As a result, customers can acquire rare pieces.
“I’m just kind of going with my gut, to be honest,” Basher said. “As I grow and see what people really enjoy, I can adjust my buying and what I’m bringing into the store.”
Traveling around the world has given Basher a clearer perspective on design. She has been able to see “how people live and what people live with.” More so, Basher has been able to explore different color schemes, textures and styles. This has led to new ideas within a variety of price points.
“I think a lot of people imagine design being this exclusive, very expensive experience,” she explained.
As well as selling goods, Basher plans to offer her interior design services and meet with clients for one-hour consultation appointments on Saturdays. To assist customers, she will help them source items including pieces from Peacock Home.
“I’ve never owned a storefront,” Basher said. “So, this is something brand new to me. But, being in the design world for as long as I have, I’m really taking this as an organic type of an experience.”