With a flair for vintage and a gift for connecting with people, Deborah Trenkner always knew she would love being the owner of a small shop that allows her to show her creative style and her social skill.
Trenkner is the owner of Elements of Home in the St. James Commons shopping center, a home and gift shop that she has run for the past year. She was also the owner of Quaint and Classy, located across the street in the recently closed space that occupied Lindsay B’s Boutique.
“Traffic is a little better over here,” said Trenkner. “This store is bigger and brighter and allows me to do more.”
Trenkner spent 25 years in the restaurant business and realized as soon as she left that she missed the people aspect that her career offered. She decided then to combine that love with her love of vintage style and decorating to open her own shop. She also owned a shop in Huntington before heading to St. James.
“I always wanted to run a small shop. I always had a creative side and I have a love for vintage stuff. I thought this would be a fun business to get into,” she said.
Home decor items fill the shop along with candles, cards and seasonal decor like beachy themed signs, pillows and frames. The well put together store sets a nice tone for dreaming up your own ideas as you browse decorating inspiration or a gift for a friend.
“Not everyone knows where to start when they are decorating a home. I am here to help,” said Trenkner. “I tell people to take photographs of their home, measurements and bring them in. A lot of time goes into making a room.”
The store is open seven days a week, which sometimes has Trenkner feeling like she needs a day off, but says she enjoys what she does and is working with someone so that she can take some time now and again.
“I enjoy being able to help people buy what they love and offer them something for their home that is beautiful and affordable,” she said.
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