One of my dearest friends is opening her dream store on campus corner this Sat the 24th of October! She is one of the most beautiful, creative, endearing and sentimental people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Her adorable shop is a mix of flowers, plants, dresses, denim, hoodies, t-shirts, jewelry, accessories, pottery, stationary and art! I am beyond excited about her unique boutique opening so close to home for many reasons; but the one that is most prominent at the moment is the obvious fact that Norman is missing a boutique with this type of integrity, style, charm, and nostalgia. There are so many people I know that do most of their shopping online (Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Anthropologie, etc); so I am so excited to be giving money locally to someone I know and putting money into Norman and the creative and gifted people in Oklahoma. I have known the lovely Katie Huskerson (owner of Birdie) for I think seven years (which is insane); having heard her thoughts and dreams over the years; I thought it would be fun and important to let other people know her journey of getting to where she is today: Opening Birdie!!!!

EES: How long have you dreamed of this place?
KH: A process of about 4 years….The direction that its taken has changed along the way….but its been a lifetime process (laughs)
EES: What would you say is your aesthetic?
KH: Romantic with a touch of whimsy…Classic/ comfortable Clothing pieces that you can easily mix into your wardrobe that you can use to update…
EES: What is Birdie to you?
KH: Nostalgia is a big part of our aesthetic….Bits and pieces of my past….heritage make up the store….Our plant stand was in my great grandmothers store…my parents grow the plants…We’re getting roses in from California that use bugs to eat the bad bugs instead of using pesticides…A goal of ours is to be 100% sustainable…we are almost there….we’re at about 85-90% right now.
EES: Why flowers?
KH: My great grandmother came over to the United States from South Africa; she was widowed and to provide for her family she brought violets and orchids….and that was the beginning of the flower shop; she actually has an orchid named after her. The flower aspect of things is in my blood….but I didn’t realize I wanted that to be a part of my store until all my friends started getting married and I got to do weddings for some of my favorite people and we realized there was a demand for a younger spin on the floral industry….
EES: What lines are you carrying and why?
KH: Organic fair trade denim… All of our other clothing: tee shirts, dresses and cardigans are either: fair trade or organic materials or have sustainable labor practices. Its important that the products we’re selling are well made and aren’t just throw away… pieces that will last….we’re not about disposable fashion! Shopping at its greenest! (Laughs)
EES: When you need inspiration, where do you turn to?
KH: Creative inspiration, definitely Anthropologie, my friends are really inspiring, and design blogs, wedding blogs….
EES: Whom are you trying to reach?
KH: We want the store to be really comforting and welcoming so everybody who walks in feels comfortable and we will have things priced from very reasonable to some higher end pieces, but we want every person who loves beautiful things and flowers and are eco aware to hopefully feel right at home.
EES: Whom locally are you carrying?
KH: Pistachio (Dana Fisher); Lana Williams (Painter); Samantha Lamb (Photography); Sethy and Tim (screen print tees); Bombs Away; Tree and Leaf; Robin Thomas; Feather by Feather….
EES: Why is it important to you to carry local artists?
KH: I was given an opportunity with Lindsey at Collected Thread in the city to showcase my work, and I am proud to provide a chance for people to make their living off of what they love.
EES: What’s the future for Birdie?
KH: Expanding into organic clothes for men, we have some unisex but wanting more… refurbished vintage furniture…. repurposed home décor.