Today we’d like to introduce you to Skelley.
Thanks for sharing your story with us David. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I had been working in the restaurant business for many years but had always wanted to own my own business like my father did. I have a background in the fine arts and found I was attracted to the shapes and colors of the mid-20th century. I started collecting and thought I’d open a mid-century themed restaurant but upon further thought, I really wanted out of the restaurant business. So I took the items I’d been stockpiling and opened my first shop on Park Boulevard in a tiny 9×11 foot space which rented for 75.00 per month. This was mid-1985. 32 years later I’m still in business and loving it as much as ever. I purchased my current building ten years ago after collaborating with the architect on its design. My taste has evolved over the year as has the shop. In 1985, I was selling more kitsch/atomic-themed items but today, I’m concentrating on the more enduring, quality pieces from the era. I have amazing, knowledgeable customers, many who have become lifelong friends!
Has it been a smooth road?
When I first opened, I had quit my waiter job and it forced me to make it in my new business. Not so easy. Mid-century items had yet to really catch on so business was really challenging for the first several years. I had friends sneaking into my apartment and stocking my refrigerator as it was usually fairly empty. I have always done everything myself with no employees. This has meant sitting the shop six days a week, finding and restoring my merchandise, doing all promotions and decision making. Plus paying all the bills fully as I refused to take out any credit.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Boomerang for Modern – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have a retail location, three floors. I sell top quality vintage Mid-Century modern furnishings, lighting, art and design. I also do in-home consulting. I started the business years before the Mid-Century “craze” and have established a large and loyal following over the past 32 years. I get phone calls daily from people who need advice. The shop has a top reputation of which I’m very proud.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I’m a native and can’t think of another city where I’d rather live and work. We have it all even though we’re in the bottom left of the country separated by the border, ocean and deserts from other major cities.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2475 Kettner Boulevard
- Website: www.boomerangformodern.com
- Phone: 619-239-2040
- Email: david@boomerangsd.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/boomerang_for_modern
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/boomerangformodern
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/boomerang-for-modern-san-diego
Image Credit:
David Skelley
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