STASH Feature
featured business
GET TO KNOW...
Rebecca Bean & Della Patterson,
owners of STASH
01. What did you want to be when you were a kid?
R: I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then I found out that vets had to put animals “to sleep” and that gave me heavy boots. So I decided to instead build a giant house and rescue all the unwanted animals in the world. I pretty much still want to be that (an animal rescuer with an ark-like house).
D: There really wasn't anything I didn't want to be. I kept my options open and changed my mind as much as the wind changes direction. It lead to the best job in the world.
02. What was your first job?
R: I worked at stables with horses. I traded work for lessons. It was the best job I’ve ever had-- besides this one.
D: Knock, knock, knock. Housekeeping.
03. What do you like to do in your free time?
R: Read(especially about design), yoga, see plays/live music, travel, new things. The usual.
D: Lend a helping hand in every way I can, write, read, support local businesses, try out new recipes.
04. What's the best advice you've ever received?
R: Be here now (essentially).
D: Be open to try new things, because there is a whole world out there.
05. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
R: as of today? About a year and a half. Della and I looked at each other while having tea at her house in April (of 2010) and decided to open STASH. We were open 2 months later. But this "business" has been a combined 58 years in the making. Stash is a representation of who we are now as people, sharing what we love with others.
D: "
06. Why do you choose to operate your business in Oklahoma as opposed to somewhere else?
R: Where else could we ever want to be (besides everywhere all at once)? The culture in Norman is incredibly thriving at a very organic, local level. We want to be a part of everything that is so great about Oklahoma. We love the arts, sense of community, and emphasis on locality.
D: The supportive community for sure. We are family. The creativity here in Oklahoma is what inspires me to keep it local.
07. Why do you think its important to keep it local?
R: See the above. It’s a no brainer. Local to me is much more sustainable. Living locally is our chance to save this planet.
D: What R said.
08. What locally owned business (other than your own) could you not live without?
R: I frequent Birdie, Grey Owl, The Earth, Forward Foods, Native Roots, Sandalwood and Sage, Wild Hare Beadery on a weekly basis.
D: All of the above and these guys as well, The Library and Pepe Delgado's.
R: How did I forget Pepe's?
09. Our Facebook fans want to know: What is it that sets you apart from the national chains and promotes loyal, repeat customers?
R: We give a shit. About the environment, about the people who make the products, about the products themselves, and about the person who will receive or purchase the item. We care about design, price, quality, durability, and uniqueness. We care a real whole lot.
D: You won't find us anywhere else. There is something to be said about a place that is one of a kind-- and a connection that the customer shares with a particular business. Familiar faces are always comforting. We love feedback from our customers. We give it our all, and in return our loyal customers support us, local arts, and the community. What a lovely support system.
10. Our Twitter followers want to know: What drives you to keep doing what you do?
R: I love to shop. I love love love the hunt. We love to find incredible things to share with others.
D: Oh oh me too!!! and decorate and find new artists. I love the appreciation that our customers show. It makes all the hard work worth while.
