I’ve been a fan of Lucky Star Gallery for a while now, their website is amazing, chock full of vintage Cowgirl goods that you’ll love. What really makes this mother-daughter team {Harriette & Missy Allison} so special is their authenticity and commitment to keeping the spirit of individuality, American pride and Wild West Fever ALIVE AND KICKIN’!! Here’s a little more about this dynamic duo…
CACTUS: Where is The Lucky Star Gallery located?
The Lucky Star Gallery is a web-based store. Our 3000 sq ft warehouse is located in Reno, NV and is chock full of our American antiques, western collectibles and our fabrication shop for our line of leather accessories/furnishings. We are open to the public by appointment, we work with decorators/designers and do prop rental, as well.
CACTUS: Have you always lived in Reno?
No. We (my mom and I) are from Bishop, CA. We are from a large Italian family base, there in the Owens Valley – cattle ranchers and cowboys! My mom has been in Reno for going on 20 years. I came to be near her after I graduated college in southern California in 1996, I left for San Francisco in 1998, moved to Hawaii in 2000, and have now been here in Reno again for almost 10 years. Reno is a convenient location for us, we are only 4 hours from our hometown and extended family.
CACTUS: How does living in that region affect your style?
Four solid seasons makes for an extensive wardrobe! I think that our style has less to do with the region we live in and more to do with our passion for the west and for the past. We are inspired by vintage lifestyle, quality of craft and COLOR!
CACTUS: You own Lucky Star Gallery with your mom ~ how did you guys come upon the decision to open a business together?
My mom has always dabbled in antiques, as a collector. Following the death of my step-dad in 1996, she took a buying trip with some friends who were antique dealers. By the end of the trip my mom was officially on her way into the business. In 2001 I joined her on a cross-country buying trip and got hooked, myself. It was on that road trip that we conceptualized The Lucky Star Gallery.
CACTUS: What are the best and worst parts of working with your mom?
My mom and I enjoy lots of the same things, appreciate each others tastes and ideas, and have a good time! We created this business together and share a common vision for success… the challenges that come are sometimes difficult to navigate, our emotional attachment to the business and to each other makes it feel like we have more at stake.
CACTUS: What is the mission of Lucky Star Gallery?
The Lucky Star Gallery began as an American antiques business, and although we have diversified with our design work, our mission has stayed the same. We are dedicated to an active process of restore, reuse & recycle by utilizing American antiques. We believe in the handmade quality of products from yesterday, and in buying American made.
This philosophy continues through my mom’s designs. Her furniture designs all start with vintage pieces, rebuilt and restored she gives new life to those pieces and creates museum quality art furniture. Her handbag, wallet, belt & guitar strap lines all began as ways to use excess leather from her furniture making.
READ MORE After the Break >>>>>>>>>>>
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by Bruce Littlefield. It is a great book… the author takes readers through yard sales, barn sales & garage sales cross America. He shows us treasures & collections, and how to put it all together in his charming home.
tradition… or any other movie series you LOVE. It’s a great way for a family to spend time together & BOND.
