Meet Sally Baker: Founder, LE BAZAR COASTAL

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally Baker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
While living in France, our family would visit the most charming island each summer. I fell in love with the morning marchés in the sweet little towns. The vendors had such lovely goods ranging from easy breezy dresses to quilts to market baskets. Each item was handpicked and unique. When we moved to the US, I longed for those morning market hunts. The sweet little marchés had been replaced by big box stores and I so wanted to return to the sweetness and simplicity of buying unique goods & learning about the stories behind them. This longing soon turned to determination and LE BAZAR COASTAL was born.

What should our readers know about your business?
A unique attribute to LE BAZAR COASTAL is the fact that we work in small batches, limited editions of just 15 or less per style/color combination. We produce lovely and fun blockprint clothing and home goods in the softest cottons and silks. Not only do these limited edition runs allow clients to own something very special, it means my teams and I get to enjoy a variety of styles and colors and not become bogged down in a mundane & overproduced big fashion cycle. I am committed to staying small, keeping things fun & remaining direct to consumer. This model has allowed me to foster incredible relationships with clients, which lends itself to the original idea of the small marché setting – a chance for vendor (me) and clients to talk, learn and become inspired to continue to create special items. I believe LE BAZAR COASTAL is where it is today because of my mantra, “quality & client first”. It took me a couple of years to find the perfect partners in Jaipur, because dear goodness there were many mess ups along the way. However, each stumble and failure has proven a valuable lesson and teaching moment. Thanks to these screw ups, I can navigate supply issues, shipping craziness, COVID punches and client concerns with a steadier hand and a sense of humor. I hope that people can feel my enthusiasm for LE BAZAR COASTAL, my gratitude for the gift of doing something I love and appreciate my silliness and love of life.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Philadelphia is not Paris by any stretch, but man is it a cool, gritty city. In the days of COVID, a weeklong visit to the area looks a little different, but here it goes! Coffee treats from La Colombe would fuel a day of sightseeing in the city. Did you know that Philly boasts over 4,000 murals? The official murals, the unofficial street art and historical significance of this city and Art Deco architecture are absolutely some of my favorite, share worthy visual treats. The Philadelphia Art Museum is absolutely incredible. My love for museums is a pass down from our Paris days. Meals downtown would include Cheu Noodle Bar for some freaky good ramen and fun libations, K’Far for beautiful and tasty Israeli yumminess and sweet treats at Federal Donuts. In the Chestnut Hill area where we live, a day would include long walks in the incredibly beautiful Wissahickon & Fairmount Parks, a rosé and cheese plate clad picnic, shopping at the local boutiques on Germantown Avenue and either a fun dinner outside of our “famous” homemade pizzas and desserts a la our daughter, Charlotte OR yummy dinner on the Avenue.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The old saying, “It takes a village” is spot on in my case. While the idea of LE BAZAR COASTAL lived inside me, it was really brought to life with the encouragement of dear friends and family. The question, “Why the heck not?” And the cheer, “You have to try it. It is your passion.” really pushed me to get this done. Their support continues to be essential. I would be remiss if I didn’t give GREAT applause to my incredible and hardworking teams based in Jaipur, India. Over daily WhatsApp chats, I have learned so much from my teams and remain grateful for their work and patience….as I do not come from a fashion background. Lastly, my dear clients. Oh my dear goodness are they awesome! They take time to tell me how much they love their goodies, send photos of themselves with children on hips and dogs at their feet to family portraits and wedding parties. It fills my heart with joy to see how my goodies translate into their lives.

Website: https://www.lebazarcoastal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/le_bazar__coastal/

Image Credits
All images are taken by moi….or a kid….