Nestled among the merchants of 106 Third Street in San Juan Bautista is Rustic Charm, a new store that offers vintage and antique furniture and home decor.
The store opened Jan. 26. Owner Stephanie Diaz-Kotel restores furniture at her Hollister home before bringing it to the San Juan storefront. She said she gets many of her pieces at estate sales and that she sold out her inventory at her grand opening.
Diaz-Kotel, her husband Chad and their daughters moved to Hollister a few years ago when Chad’s job relocated him to the area. She previously owned and operated a furniture and decor store in Southern California and said she missed the experience.
She got started in the area operating a vendor booth at events including the 2018 San Juan Bautista Chicken Festival. She moved into the Rustic Charm storefront in December when a spot opened up, saying San Juan is “a great community and I am excited to be here.”
Diaz-Kotel spends much of her time painting furniture.
“I paint when I am happy, I paint when I am stressed, I love to paint,” she said.
Five customers came by during BenitoLink’s interview with Diaz-Kotel, including Breeze of Bear Flag Gallery.
“The store is fabulous. I love it,” said Breeze, who has purchased two pieces from the store.
Rustic Charm is open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You must be logged in to post a comment.