I can't believe I'm going on 2 years since I opened, my has time passed! Here is the first free press I got...wow, not a flattering photo at all...arrhhh!
Lisa Starkey-Laber sits in PDC Boutique on Thursday in Downtown Lodi. The store specializes in original hand-crafted gift items from artists all over the world. (Angelina Gervasi/News-Sentinel)
New Downtown Lodi store has everything quirky, stylish and fun for women
By
Marc LutzNews-Sentinel Staff Writer Updated: Friday, February 8, 2008 10:32 PM PST
Comments (No comments posted.)A painted gallery of waifish women, each with large expressive eyes and long flowing hair, stare down at the casual shopper from their places on the wall. Yet each one is unique, quirky and a must-have, just like every other item in the newest Downtown Lodi store, PDC Boutique.PDC — which stands for Photography Design Concepts — opened quietly on Feb. 2 in the Woolworth's building on School Street.Owner Lisa Starkey-Laber has brought together gift items from various artists around the world aimed at female consumers.Want unique picture frames? PDC has them.Want decorative plates? PDC has them.Want vintage furniture and clothing? PDC has them.PDC Boutique even has that floppy sock monkey you've been looking for.Though Starkey-Laber had a previous business in Stockton and lives there as well, she chose Lodi as a base of operation for fairly specific reasons."I love Downtown Lodi. It's got a great concept, and I like the feel of it," Starkey-Laber said.Starkey-Laber gets the majority of her products from artists whom she has come to know since her school days at the Art Academy in San Francisco. She creates about 10 percent of the products herself.In fact, that was part of the reason for opening the store. Starkey-Laber spends hours at home creating hand-made gift boxes, greeting cards and magnets. First she had a room full, then it became a house full.Starkey-Laber has products from artists around the world, but says she also supports local artists.Other items for purchase at PDC Boutique are customized buckets, pails and tins that come in personalized prints by The Macbeth Collection, which Starkey-Laber is proud to carry."This is artists' work that you can only get at this store," Starkey-Laber said. "I really want to bring back quality (products). I want to get back to hand-made."The store also carries Girl Scouts gift items such as photo albums.No matter what consumers are looking to spend, the prices will fit just about any budget. Some of the least expensive items costs around $5, while the most expensive item in the store is $500. Starkey-Laber is also laboring to get more antique furniture in the store.On February 29, the store will have its grand opening from 2-9 p.m. There will be snacks and beverages available, and there will be specials on items throughout the colorful little store.Shoppers are likely to find something at PDC Boutique that calls out to them."There are so many things," Starkey-Laber said. "You just gotta see it."
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