07/09/2026
A few things I've learned...
Hi Friend,
The shop has officially been open for two years! Wow - what an accomplishment. I'm super proud of what I've built here and the impact the shop has had on the community.
I did my first pop-up market selling my vintage treasures in 2021 - only 5 years ago. The opportunity to open a brick and mortar shop presented itself in the Spring of 2022 and I jumped in with both feet.
It took another two years to get the space rennovated and ready for occupancy and we opened our doors to the public on July 11th 2024.
With two years under my belt I've learned a few things...
1: I Love the People
I honestly wasn't sure if I would have regular customers in such a small town. At the begining, I thought it would just be one-time-tourist-type cusomers, but that has been far from the truth.
I absolutely LOVE that I have regular customers. Neighbors that I have come to know by name. Who have shown up to events. Who bring their out-of-town friends and family to see the shop. I truly feel like I have a little extended family here in Brunswick.
2: Adapt and be Flexible
The original vision I had for the store has changed over the past two years. For several reasons.
I used to have a chip on my shoulder and would critique other vintage retailers for selling gift-like products alongside their vintage stuff. But now, I get it. You need both. Vintage is a one-off item that needs to find "its person" whereas the curated gifts can serve multiple people.
Curation is my powerhouse and it's been nice to experiement with combining the vintage, artisan, and gift items together to tell a story and inspire shoppers.
3. Follow Your Heart and Purpose
This shop was always part of my "Master Plan" whether I knew it at the time or not. I was dreaming of opening a shop way back in high school; retail has always been my thing.
I love sharing my passion with the community and I'm so grateful I've had the opportunity to do so.
4. What's Next?
You'll continue to find new small brands and artisans in the shop as well as unique vintage pieces. I'm also in planning mode for the holidays right now (this is what "Christmas in July" actually means for retailers).
Recently, I've felt a pull back to writing (I actually went to school for Journalism) and have started a Substack for Potomac River Interiors. You can follow along here and read my frist article. (https://potomacriverinteriors.substack.com/p/minimalism-wasnt-the-answer-hoarding)
I'm hoping it will be a place to tell more stories and have fun with some design work - think, shopkeeper interviews, behind-the-scenes sourcing vintage, and musings/inspiration on interior design. If that sounds interesting to you, join me over there!
On the horizon is a very busy 2nd half of the year. October will be especially crazy...
If you're down of a road-trip, come visit my booth at the Country Living Fair (https://countrylivingfairs.com/) in Rhinebeck, NY Octover 2-4.
Looking for something closer to home? Just two weeks later, you'll find me back at the Lucketts Fall Market in Berryville, VA October 16-18.
I hope to see you MUCH sooner than October though! We have some fun things planned for our Anniversary this weekend, so I hope to see you in the shop soon.
Thanks for being on this journey with me!
Lisa Tumbarello
Owner at Potomac River Interiors
Still a few spots left for the Floral Workshop on Friday July 10th. Click below to snag a last-minute spot!
ONE spot (2pm) just opened back up for Mini Tarot sessions. Snag it below!
Click here for an update from Potomac River Interiors!
