Tracy Porter can find inspiration and beauty in anything. Whether it’s the design of a tile on a museum floor or the black-and-white stripes of a zebra, there’s beauty everywhere in the eye of this beholder.
“It’s a 24/7 kind of thing,” Porter said with a laugh. “Everything around you can be used as inspiration.”
Porter and her husband John are the owners of Poetic Wanderlust, an art studio based in the Santa Ynez Valley. Described as a culmination of all their life experiences, Poetic Wanderlust features such handmade items as tableware, pillows, rugs, decorative pieces, and more.
The name of their business was inspired by John and Tracy’s worldly travels and their own wanderlust that keeps them exploring.
“It’s about a journey and embracing the little things,” Tracy said.
The pieces are colorful and vibrant, and their originality makes a bold statement. Inspired by nature and certain patterns that strike a chord with Tracy and John, they’re meant to stand out and catch the eye. The thematic elements of the pieces range from coastal to Western to European.
“The pieces are very exciting, rich, and inspired by nature,” Porter said. “Why waste time designing the same things as everyone else?”
The shop’s stock, with its fresh originality, has certainly caught the eye of big name retailers such as Neiman Marcus, HGTV, and various mom-and-pop stores, just to name a few. Tracy is currently working on a line of plates for Neiman Marcus.
Tracy said John and she attended their first tradeshow in Los Angeles last summer, with plans to visit shows in New York and Las Vegas this coming summer. Tracy is also working on a book focusing on interior design.
And to think, Tracy and her family used to be farmers in Wisconsin. But even then, she said, she and her husband were making and selling handmade items. With four kids younger than 12, Tracy and her family made the move to California.
The Porters are strong proponents of surrounding themselves with beautiful things, and they’ve surrounded themselves with inspirational scenery at their farm in Solvang.
“Everything around here is beautiful; you can drive to the grocery store and it’s beautiful,” Tracy said, the appreciation clear in her voice. “It’s inspired what we do and enhanced it.”
A majority of the items they carry is designed and made in Solvang.
“We’re finding that more and more, people want things made in the U.S.,” she said.
Tracy noted that Poetic Wanderlust has identified a process of creation that’s local and environmentally friendly. The acrylics are made in the United States, and they recycle everything. Tracy is working on introducing a textile medium to her customers and keeping the items at Poetic Wanderlust fresh, original, and, most importantly, beautiful.
“Surround yourself with beautiful things,” Tracy said. “Do what you’re passionate about.”
For more information on Poetic Wanderlust and to check out their handmade wares, visit poeticwanderlust.com. The shop is at 1130 Mission Drive in Solvang. Call 1-800-591-5603.
Highlights
• C & D Zodiac’s Annual Family Day for the company’s 1,100 employees and family members will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 15.
The event will showcase the Give & Grow Games—a nonprofit established by employees to benefit children and their education. Lunch will be provided by Thai Hut. Entertainment includes live music by local band Steppin’ Out, pony rides, a mini petting zoo, mobile gaming by Game Movers, and appearances by community figures.
For more information, visit cdaero.com.
• Local Verizon Wireless retailer Phone & Wireless recently opened its doors in Buellton and will be holding its grand opening event to celebrate on Sept. 22.
The store offers all products and services from Verizon, with live smart phones and tablets for shoppers to try. Also featured is a mobile broadband laptop station for customers to experience the 4G wireless network now available in the area.
The grand opening runs from noon to 2 p.m. and includes music from KRAZy Country 105.9, technology demos, wireless prizes, complimentary refreshments, giveaways, a free Bluetooth headset drawing, and more.
For more information, call 693-3700 or visit phoneandwireless.com.
Staff Writer Kristina Sewell wrote this week’s Biz Spotlight. Highlights were written and compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Sep 13-20, 2012.