Time Capsule, Sassy's blend efforts
Rebecca Saavedra & Sheri Kennedy
(Photo by Michelle Binker/'IVN')
Missing her family, and faced with closure of her Time Capsule Vintage Clothing business after a vehicle crashed through its Downtown Cave Junction storefront, Rebecca Saavedra said that she’d “had it.”
“I was ready to close my doors at that point,” said Saavedra.
But a friend, Sherri Kennedy, wouldn’t hear of it.
Kennedy, proprietor of Sassy’s Exotic Gifts, had been inspired by Saavedra to go into business. She began by offering her wares in front of Time Capsule during Blackberry Festival, and soon took on her own storefront two doors away.
“Sherri was my crutch when I was ready to close,” Saavedra admits. “She talked me into opening again here.”
Time Capsule has been integrated into Sassy’s Exotic Gifts. The blended result builds on the strengths of both endeavors, and the cooperative approach helps each woman juggle her life and livelihood.
“We share the space, the rent and we split our time, “ Saavedra said.
By combining their stock and their efforts, the two have created a rich and eclectic gift shop with a wide variety of funky/chic retro clothing and accessories. The store also features imported and locally produced handicrafts, unique and unusual gift items.
Dense with its myriad offerings, the store is full of surprises.
“Some people have said they feel they could come here time and again, and still discover new things,” Kennedy said.
Imported items from Indonesia, Bali, Tibet and Nepal, as well as the odd treasure brought back from afar, sit side-by-side with the shirts, jackets, coats, hats and décor of yesteryear.
Coconut and water buffalo bone earrings and plugs are among the most sought- after import items, Kennedy said, as are bronze singing bowls. Many of the exotic gifts come from producers in small villages, who are guaranteed a fair price for their wares.
Furthermore, Kennedy states, her suppliers help preserve indigenous cultures and their craftwork.
Saavedra travels from Seattle to Los Angeles, shopping for vintage clothing for the store.
“These are not thrift store clothes,” she said. “We’ll soon be offering more retro-styled, brand-new clothing, which is really hot,” she said.
The pair always had an affinity for one another’s goods.
“I would shop at Sherri’s store, or she’d come shop at the vintage store,” Saavedra recalls.
“We enjoy each other’s stuff,” she said.
Located in Downtown Cave Junction at 140-A Redwood Hwy. next to Darn Near Ever Everything, Sassy’s Exotic Gifts, featuring Time Capsule Vintage Clothing, is open Mondays through Saturdays, from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
