Wild Sage offers a coffee bar with local baked goods that entice people to come in to visit and hang out at the sitting area. The coffee is complimentary.
Owner Lisa Kushner had a similar business in Marietta, California, but when her husband died, she moved to Williamson Valley to be closer to her children. She opened Wild Sage Antiques and Boutique in Chino Valley, where she could create a connection to people. Her daughter, Bobbi Hagerty, is the co-owner.
With 14 vendors and local artisans, Wild Sage offers a wide array of collectibles, clothing, purses, jewelry and vintage furniture. “We have a little bit of everything for everybody. We have things for kids to seniors,” she said, noting that the hottest item lately is outdoor art, as the warm weather has people outside and planting their gardens.
Kushner has owned Wild Sage for 18 months, but she had been renting a small building by Scooters Coffee. “I wanted to own my building and I love that house, so I bought it, refurbished it and had the building entirely redone,” she said. “A lot of people come in just to see the inside of the building. Everybody seems to love it!”
That old house is a historical building that was the third building constructed in Chino Valley. The Chino Valley Historical Society brought Kushner information about the building’s background and also gave her books about the local history. She now sells those books.
The building, which was constructed in 1917, is two stories high and includes a basement, seven rooms and three bathrooms. “I used to drive by it and thought, ‘It can be so beautiful if somebody put some money into it.’”
Wild Sage offers a coffee bar with local baked goods that entice people to come in to visit and hang out at the sitting area. The coffee is complimentary. “I wanted to keep it small, but also make it fun.”
Kushner emphasizes customer service, calling it their No. 1 priority. “It’s about being open, honest and talking with people.” QCBN
By Stan Bindell, QCBN
Wild Sage is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday.
Photo by Stan Bindell: Lisa Kushner showcases a unique assortment of home furnishings, clothing, jewelry and vintage furniture at Wild Sage Antiques & Boutique in Chino Valley.
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