Paulette Still-Khouri and her husband Najeeb Khouri moved to Polish Hill almost a dozen years ago. So when Still-Khouri decided it was time to leave her longtime corporate job and follow her dream -- opening a floral shop that also sells antiques and crafts -- she already knew of the perfect location. Polish Hill.
"I wanted to invest in my own community," says Still-Khouri.
Urban Gypsy opened in April at 3101 Brereton St. in a property built in 1895, owned and recently renovated by Jubilee Soup Kitchen. The storefront, which was a butcher shop many years ago, had been vacant for as long as Still-Khouri can remember.
Beyond staying hyper-local for a location, Still-Khouri is also trying to stay local for art. Though many vintage pieces (handbags, jewelry, household baubles) are picked up during travels, most of the new art is created by Pittsburgh residents, many of them residents of Polish Hill and surrounding communities.
Local finds include pierogi-themed greeting cards by Polish Hill resident Myra Falisz; Pittsburgh landscape blank photo-cards by Polish Hill resident Patrick Singleton; a floral oil painting by lifelong Polish Hill resident Marianne Kupin; needlepoints by Susan Constance, who works for the Polish Hill Civic Association; and walking sticks carved by Polish Hill Civic Association president Terrance Doloughty.
Sign up to receive Pop City each week.
Writer: Caralyn Green
Sources: Paulette Still-Khouri, Najeeb Khouri, Urban Gypsy
Photograph copyright Caralyn Green