Susan Haug knew it was time to get back in the game.
About 15 years after closing her antiques shop Porch Swing in Ellicott City, Md., to take care of family, Haug said it was finally the right time to open another shop.
Eclectic Style by Susan opened at 128 Second St. in Lewes in May, sharing a space with florist Mayumi Williamson, who’s operated in Lewes for 21 years. The welcoming shop blends Haug’s pieces and style with Mayumi’s artistic seasonal floral arrangements.
“If my business doesn’t help hers, then why do it?” Haug said. “Everything here is combined. I present her as well as I present myself.”
In recent years, Haug has worked as manager of Jewelry Exchange and Chatelaine's Antique Jewelry, both on Second Street in Lewes. Feeling the itch to open a store again, she said, she waited for the perfect opportunity.
“I’m excited to be included with the shops of Front, Second and Third Street,” she said. “I’ve always been enamored by the shops here, and I’ve always wanted to be here.”
Haug offers antique furniture, decor, fine jewelry and pieces by local artists. She will also design or redesign a client’s home or individual room.
Prior to relocating to Lewes, Haug was on the board of directors for Historic Ellicott City, and served as chair for several decorator show houses, even designing numerous rooms herself.
Haug has been buying and selling antiques most of her life. Her interest comes from her parents, who were collectors.
“I’m one of six kids, but I’m the only one that was bit by the antiques bug,” she said.
Her parents’ collections centered around their personal interests, not necessarily items that were valuable. They collected many things, such as hand-cut crystal, antique dolls, flapper dresses and furniture.
Haug learned about antiques by working with her parents, whether by researching items or simply polishing pieces. Most of the items in the shop now are from her personal collection that she’s kept since closing her Ellicott City shop.
Eclectic Style by Susan and Flowers by Mayumi are each open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours may vary on Sundays. For more information, go to www.eclecticstylellc.com.
Art open house
Paintings by the late Jack Wiberg will be on exhibit at Eclectic Style, 128 Second St., beginning Thursday, Nov. 21, running through the holidays with an open house to kick off the exhibit that evening.