Shop owner 'repurposes' stock to beat recession

Born ninth out of nine children to a logger family in Nehalem, Oregon, Debra Smith-Stephens, of Wisteria Chic, was instilled with the value of hard work and lots of fun. A people-loving person through and through, she started Wisteria Chic in May three years ago.

"I wanted to offer affordable things for the creative mind...textiles and textures for you and your home," she said. "But, I'm not a quilt store, we already have one of the best quilt stores in the world right here in Sisters."

Smith-Stephens sees things differently, and it shows up in her shop.

"I don't see a button as a button, but a broach, embellishment for a pillow, or as a bracelet," she said.

Wisteria Chic carries floral, garden, gifts, books, aprons, lamps, baby items, gift wrap and gift cards to name a few of the items lining the well-laid-out and decorated store.

Wisteria Chic had a slow winter.

"I had to keep the shop open and I like to stay busy, so during the slow months I took product that didn't sell last summer and repurposed it into something else," Smith-Stevens said. "I'm really excited about these new products. I've been making nighties from some extra material from 'Project Runway,' my aprons are from old tablecloths, sheets and pillowcases that I've picked up at thrift stores because they were so great, and tea towels have been spruced up with trims that make them zing."

The vintage VW bus door that sits out front is a signature

for the storefront, located across the street form Eurosports on Hood Avenue.

"This is an artist town and that door is my contribution," Smith-Stevens said. "I wanted something to display outside my shop so I sent my husband to the junk yard and told him to come back with something. He came back with that door! I could have sold it 100 times, everyone loves it."

Wisteria Chic will celebrate its third anniversary May 2-3. The anniversary party will extend into the whole month of May with an apron contest. Smith-Stephens will take photos of those wearing aprons, display them, and customers will vote. Guest artist Nancy Reutter will offer crocheted rugs and bowls crafted from old sheets. Wisteria Chic is located at 183 E. Hood Ave. For more information call 549-8363