Weekly Portrait of a Natural Beauty – Erinn Berkson

I first met Erinn in her fabulous store Firefly.  I have been an admirer since the first week I arrived here from NYC.  Little did I know I was to become very lucky and live just a few doors down from this delightful family.
Tim, Erinn and Mia, all sporting true smiles, great looks, and Firefly style!
Love them!

Firefly from Power Suit

FIREFLY BIO:

Firefly was created in 1999 on a whim after owner, Erinn Berkson, found an old list she had written titled, “Things to Do That Matter”.  It read, “Play Guitar.  Write short stories.  Have an art show.  Open a store.”

While she still hasn’t grasped the basic guitar chords, she has harmoniously created a space that encompasses just about everything she treasures.  Here you can find anything from handmade Peruvian blankets to 14k gold monogrammed necklaces.  Known for its selection of books focusing on contemporary art and architecture, Firefly also carries a wide array of merchandise including women’s clothing, jewelry, soaps, candles, items for home, cookbooks, letterpress stationery and a treasure trove of silly whimsy.  It’s easy to spend a lot of time here.

Come on by and say hi.

KID BIO:

Kid Firefly opened in 2011 as an offshoot to the original Firefly store.  When owner Erinn Berkson had a child, everyone asked if she was going to expand the children’s section, but she insisted she didn’t have the room as she was already bursting at the seams with an eclectic assortment of merchandise.  In order to do it right, she knew it needed it’s own proper space.

When the opportunity to expand arose just a couple doors down from the original Firefly, she knew in an instant she had to take the offer.  It just made sense, and she was more than thrilled to be able to focus on a space dedicated solely to kids.  Building on her knowledge of retail and her love for all small treasures, she wanted to create a more modern, clean environment to showcase the bright colors she knew would be stocked on the shelves.

From toys to home decor, whoopie cushions, maracas, mohawked knit dolls, recycled chalk, fluorescent pencils and classics like her childhood favorite, Where the Sidewalk Ends, the shelves are stocked with delightful, worldly items.  Kid focuses it’s clothing from newborn to 6 years old and carries upscale brands like Anthem of the Ants, Baby Ya Ya, Chaser, Egg Baby, Kit and Lili, Munster, Nui Organics, Paige Lauren and Pink Chicken to name a few.

http://www.shopfirefly.com/

http://kidfirefly.com/

http://www.shopfirefly.com/blog/

Name? Erinn Berkson

What do you do? Owner of two shops; Firefly and Kid Firefly on Abbot Kinney in Venice, Ca.

Who are you?  Erinn Berkson.  I own two gift shops on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA.  One is eclectic with lots of items for the home, books on art and architecture, accessories, clothes, cookbooks, letterpress, apothecary, so many treasures: www.shopfirefly.com.  The other is a modern kid’s shop: www.kidfirefly.com.

Where are you?  I am most likely to be found at one of my shops or roaming the walk streets of Venice with my daughter, Mia.

How we met?  We’re neighbors, but I’d have to say we truly met when I invited myself inside Christy’s beautiful home, and we got to chat about so many true and novel things.

Something no one knows about you?  I moved 23 times before the age of eighteen.  I have lived in California, Washington, Idaho and Arizona. For this reason, I love small towns, culture, locals, sunshine, moving at a moment’s notice and standing still.

What is your most marked beauty secret?  I get my eyelashes tinted.  I’m sort of a get up and go gal, so I think this really helps.  I only wear makeup when I want to jazz myself up.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?  Soaking in the rays.  My favorite sensation is sunshine on my face.  I love the feeling and smell when you have arrived in the desert.  I’d say a trip to Joshua Tree is in order.

I don’t leave home without?  Lip balm and a ponytail holder.  Hopefully I remember my keys and cell phone, too.

Dream job?  I have it!  I’d also fancy writing a novel or being a professional craftster, but who’s got the time?

Who are your beauty icons?  Frida Kahlo sans the monobrow?  Gosh, I mostly get inspired by real people or strangers I see.  If we’re talking people in the magazines I’d say Helena Christensen, not to date myself or anything like that.  I’ll give some props to Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Sienna Miller, Lauren Hutton, perhaps the tribeswoman I saw in National Geographic.

What quality do you most admire in a woman?  Grace amidst the unbelievable multitasking we do.

Morning glory or night owl?  I’m an early riser for sure.

Family beauty secret?  My grandmother used to say, “With sunglasses and lipstick, you can be seen anywhere!”

Vegetarian or carnivore?  I love it all.  Truly.  I could give up meat, but I could never give up vegetables.

What is your signature style?   Wet hair in a ponytail, a scarf and flip flops.

What country would you most like to live?  If not Venice, then Mexico.

Favorite color?  Fuchsia, no green, no turquoise, maybe yellow.  I love orange.  It’s the combinations that strike me.  This is typical with numbers and songs as well.  Don’t ask me to choose.  I have lots of favorites.

Favorite flower?  Dahlia, but I’d prefer an agave plant any day.

What Natural/Green/Organic beauty product can’t you live without?  Dr. Robin’s sunscreen for my daughter.

Mascara or lipstick?  Mascara

Shower or bath?  Definitely shower.  Baths are not relaxing to me.  I always have to bring nail clippers or something to do.

What is your favorite part of your Body?  My hands.  They can do so many creative things.

Vogue or New York Times?  Daily Mail (Shhhhh)

Favorite blog?  I’m late in the game, but I just started one: www.shopfirefly.com/blog.  I am a big fan of interior or design blogs like www.style-files.com or www.swiss-miss.com.  I’m also enchanted by www.lovelymorning.com.

What is the best part about your beauty routine?  I don’t have one.

What is your beauty motto?  When feeling drab, a little fresh air, laughter and sunshine does the trick, but Aunt Patsy says, “Darling, do highlight your roots.”

One wish right now?  To find some balance between all the juggling I’m doing prepping for the holidays.  Oh, and hopefully Santa will bring me some good loot.