Something close to my design heart is finally here! As a long time fan I am beyond excited to share that The Vintage Bee Company is open and ready for all the beautiful shopping here in West Michigan.
When Jose and I first moved back to Michigan from North Carolina the emotions were running wild. We literally just left a New Bern, a city we consider raised us, not as children but as a newly married young couple trying to find their place in this world. Any vacation time Jose and I could get, we would drive home to our original hometown of West Michigan, but for us as a young couple, New Bern North Carolina was our home.
As we pulled away from our historic downtown rental in NC, I remember one of many emotions hitting me was straight terror. I knew who I was as a designer, blogger, wife, and friend as Liz from North Carolina… but Liz from West Michigan was someone I haven’t been for nearly 10 years. It is no secret the amount of rich history the south offers and moving up to West Michigan, I didn’t know what my identify would be as a designer and blogger given my style.
As we got to the last leg of our trip we decided to take the route that drove us through downtown Grand Rapids. We felt the need for symbolism as a new beginning and to see our new hometown. What happened next is 100% the truth and Jose and I always bring it up! As the tallest building in Grand Rapids started to break through the horizon of highway signs and exit ramps the radio grew silent as it changed between songs. And the next song that came up (again-completely true story) “Carolina in My Mind” by James Taylor. Yes-key the tears and laughter!
As we finally settled into our home and finding our place here in West Michigan… I had a truly hard time finding outlets of inspiration. Grand Rapids is a beautiful art-focused city, but at that time I wasn’t connecting with anyone that hit my design heart of that chippy-white eclectic mess that I am so drawn towards.
As Jose and I started re-discovering Grand Rapids, we would drive around on the weekends seeking the Michigan versions of favorite North Carolina shops. Finally! I discovered the wonderful style of The Vintage Bee Company. At this time she was a vendor in a large antique mall right outside Saugatuck, Michigan. She displayed the perfect mixture of white furniture, wood pops, and linen textures… Instant inspiration!
Fast forward 5 years, and she has purchased an old hardware shop right outside South Haven Michigan, and displayed it so perfect, it is truly breathtaking. Jose and I visited this past weekend for her grand opening and felt as if we transported back to those small southern town shops as we walked through the heavy old front doors.
If you are coming to visit us here in West Michigan for our Labor Day Market, The Found Cottage Mercantile Market in Holland, or just swinging by The Found Cottage in Hudsonville. This is another West Michigan shop you have to put on your map. Her address is 6988 114th Ave, South Haven, MI 49090 and well worth the trip you can also find her website (here). Thank you again for stopping by the blog today and every other day. Xx Liz Marie
I will be adding this to my list of must visit places. This place looks perfect:)
Your story about moving back home has me thinking of our dreams to move one day. In our case we would be leaving home but it will be an adventure to start a life somewhere new and see where life takes us.
We moved from eastern Michigan to Havelock, NC and I miss all the great antique shopping available in Michigan. There are a few little shops here and there but the vendors are few and far between that sell my style. Any suggestions?
I love all of Western Michigan from Union Pier on up the coast. Great shops in all these towns and up and down Red Arrow Highway. Thanks for these shop names! Love from an Ohio girl!
Oh Yay! It is quite beautiful!
Yes our favorite shop in New Bern, The Black Swan, closed sadly! There a few I know of… Southern Persnickety and I forget the name its on Neuse by the Movie theater!
Thank you! Southern Persnickety is my favorite along with Franklins Antique Mall.
What a surprise, I offen wondered what happened to you Patrice, my sister and I always came to you shops in GR, and Eastown. We always had such a fun time with you.I will make it a point to come and see you this summer.
Hello,
omg! l love the place by just looking at the pictures.it looks beautiful, from the floor to the ceiling everything looks beautiful. thank you for sharing this beautiful place.
Hiya,
We are doing a massive remodel on our house and I’d love this light for over our sink and this wall hanging for our guest room. Can you please tell me if you have them, etc. or who I might contact to track them down.
Thanks so much, Nina. Oops, trouble getting intro his note…I will send them separately.
Warmly, Nina