Visit Veda Lux
August 7, 2010 
4 Comments
There is a lot of excitement in the air about South Perry that has been mounting steadily over the past few years. Stand outs like The Shop, South Perry Pizza, The Lantern, and the Farmer’s Market have all conspired to put this tucked away Spokane neighborhood on the map. This summer, these staple establishments have been joined by yet another little gem.
Veda Lux is a handmade jewelry and accessories boutique accompanied by a wealth of funky vintage and second hand pieces. Owner and artist Summer Hightower is known for her avant garde hair pieces under the label Sumeria Designs. She is also a Lilac City Roller Girl, a property manager, and a native Hawaiian-turned-LC grad.
Too often fabulous local ventures like Veda Lux aren’t able to leverage the promotional power they need to be widely supported by Spokane shoppers. Too often this lack of business is blamed on the market, when really it is a communications dilemma. People simply don’t know they exist. Our neighborhood business districts are so spread out across the city that many people don’t get the chance to “happen upon” such stores in their commute between home, work and routine errands.
In this case, however, there has been early enthusiastic support by a number of independent nonprofit community news outlets. Let’s keep the word of mouth machine going. Make a South Perry date with your friends, find something special, and tell people where you got it when they ask.
- Veda Lux Birthday pictures on the Spovangelist Flickr.
- “Summer,” a Veda Lux photo journal on Ugly Yellow, by Tiffany Patterson
- “Veda Lux: A Boutique in a Riot of Color and Texture” by Spokane Business Women
About the Author
One of the questions I’m interested in answering when it comes to planning is, “how can planning enhance social capital?” Neighborhood shops depend on communications, as you mention, but even more so, communications from trusted sources. Our most trusted sources will always be those with whom we believe we have substantial connection.
Having a random person say “Visit Veda Lux” doesn’t mean much. But, when the Spovangelist says it, there’s a group whose ears perk up. It’s this kind of social connection which give neighborhood shops life.
When neighborhoods have *character*, whatever that character may be, it enhances the social connections between its residents. And, in doing so, it strengthens the businesses in that community because the communications in that neighborhood are more trusted, more authentic.
As always, I’m impressed by the efforts of the neighbors in South Perry. Congratulations on a new offering!
You know, this is an interesting one. We moved into the “international district” — said with snooty, raised nose — in 1976 after we started doing neighborhood organizing work there in 1975. We were turned down by seven banks for a loan to buy our home — the reason always given was that “a house in that neighborhood couldn’t possibly be worth that much.” I’ll always remember Lee Wade, one of the leaders in East Central, throwing her head back and laughing and saying, “well Bob, welcome to the neighborhood.”
I’ve been delighted, amused, and sometimes angered by the metamorphosis into being the fashionable Perry Street District (we live on ninth avenue a block from Grant Park). Hats off to all the people who persevered in bringing focus to the neighborhood business district and hats off to the people who have made it something attractive and unique.
I guess Spokane is growing up. It takes perseverance, dedication, time and, of course people. By the way, some of you might be interested in Margaret Wheatley’s new book “Perseverance” — it is a real gem.
We’re in this for the long haul — making healthy and resilient communities. Some of you might enjoy the work and resources on my website — http://www.resilientcommunities.org
@Bob Thanks so much for your comment. I’ve been in Spokane about three years, and I see nothing but endless opportunity for this city. Yes, it takes hard work, but on the plus side, TV shows these days are shit, so what else do you have to do besides interact with and build up your community?
People with the foresight to lay down stakes here will be rewarded for their efforts, I’m sure. Already, as you point out, there’s a harvest time coming. I think there’s further yet to go. Young people should take note, and try to stay here, where there is room to grow.