Collecting things with unique histories has been an occupation for Kim Christianson nearly her entire life.
A Greenbank resident for the last six years, Christianson formerly dealt in antiques and artwork for 10 years in the Fremont Sunday Market in Seattle.
This work also lead to an extensive private collection over the years, Christianson said.
During a recent visit with family, she was inspired to again share her expertise with others.
“I was down in Texas visiting my sister,” Christianson said. “I went into an antique mall and I thought, ‘I have better things in my home.’”
For that reason, she opened a new store in Coupeville, Le Petite Cache, which features antiques as well as artwork from local and Seatle-based artist.
“It means ‘my little stach,’” Christianson said of the store front she opened June 16.
Located in the back of Mariners Court off Front Street — the former location of Vail Wine Shop — Christianson said she knew she wanted to open a store there when she saw the space.
A popular tourist destination, Christianson hopes to bring her own flavor of antiquing to Coupeville’s walk of shops and restaurants.
Mon Petit Cache features random and novel items like original pastels, sterling silver items, Japanese glass fishing floats and art created from salvaged tin.
She said she is drawn to items that are completely unique and tough to find.
“You can’t replace it,” Christianson said. “It’s one of a kind. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”
Christianson said she briefly operated the cafe above the Greenbank Store but has in recent years been retired and volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Freeland.
Getting back into the commercial world seems a natural transition for Christianson, who has worked in customer and retail most of her life.
“I like people and I like working with the public,” Christianson said. “I might as well have this stuff in a shop instead of in my house.”
One of her featured Seattle artists, William Herberholz, described Chistianson’s artistic aesthetic as “long lasting.”
“She has a really good eye,” Herberholz said. “She’s acquired a way to look at art that is really special.”
