Kate Mazariegos has spent most of her life thrifting and antiquing. Using her talents to find unique pieces to work in clients’ spaces, Mazariegos is opening a brick-and-mortar location this weekend.
Located at 318 St. Elizabeth Street, Kate & Waverly Home will include second-hand items that Mazariegos has curated for those who might feel overwhelmed in a “typical” thrift store.
“When I walk into a typical thrift or second-hand store, I get excited. It is like a treasure trove of possibilities,” she said. “But several friends have let me know, over the years, that not everyone feels that way.
Using her design eye, Mazariegos will have products styled on shelves and furniture in a more minimal way so shoppers can see how it might look in their homes.
Her passion for thrifting began with her mother, who she said had an eye for spotting beautiful and unique items that could be used in the decor. Often these items were found in local thrift stores and at garage sales.
“I learned a lot during those years spent with her going from place to place and finding ‘treasures,’” Mazariegos said. “Even before I believed in it, people would tell me I should open up a place to sell antiques and other unique items that I find.”
Mazariegos has studied famous designers but is largely self-taught. She learned not only by accompanying her mother but also through her father, who is a carpenter.
“From birth, I was surrounded by major home remodel projects and helping my mom pick out wallpaper, paint colors, and tiles,” she said. “And I’ll admit, I poked fun at her constant rearranging of furniture and styling of shelves and end tables.”
She also helped her dad when he needed another hand.
“I loved it all, and I still do,” she said.
Mazariegos enjoys this community and wants to develop and move forward small businesses. She has created coworking spaces in the two back rooms of Kate & Waverly Home, where people who work from home or creative people who need space can work when needed – either collaboratively or alone to focus.
“I have several other ideas on how to utilize the space in a way that brings in and builds up a community that I am excited to implement in the next year,” she said.
Kate & Waveryly Home will have unique offerings in terms of style and format, even though she knows there are other thrift stores in the area.
“I also think of the world, as a whole, is in desperate need of more stores that spotlight second-hand items,” she said.
While the focus is on second-hand, antique, and vintage home decor, she also has racks of curated second-hand clothing and accessories. She has collaborated with Madison Jones of Blue House Fragrances and created a custom fragrance for the shop, which will be available as a candle and linen and room spray.
“The candle is made of a glass that can be recycled, reused as a drinking glass, or returned to the store and cleaned and used for another candle,” she said. “The lid is made of cork, which is compostable. And the linen spray bottles are also glass that can be recycled, or can be returned to the store and reused as well.”
Mazariegos is also working with local craftsmen and artists creating pieces she will share on social media.
Kate & Waverly Home opens Saturday. To honor the family dog they recently lost, 10% of sales on Saturday will go to The Humane Society where they adopted Maggie. Drawings and giveaways will also happen throughout the day.
Mazariegos is active on social media and tries to share information daily. The design business is @kateandwaverly and the storefront is @kateandwaverlyhome. The website is kateandwaverlyinteriors.com. Products in the store will not be available online, but Mazariegos said that could change.
Store hours will be 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, but appointments can also be made. She will be in her office at the store daily.
