Downtown Merchant Spotlight⭐️
jux·ta·po·si·tion / noun
The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.
An art-inspired home furnishings store, in downtown Camas, is quite the juxtaposition. About a year ago, Suzanne Ferguson was writing up a marketing plan for a client’s business, and she thought, “Why am I doing this for other people when I want to do this for myself?” She has been an entrepreneur for quite some time, working side by side with her husband Rick. She said her creative side was busting to get out, she wanted something more. “The moment of truth for me came the day I looked at my husband Rick and told him I wanted something of my own. Something creative and fun. His answer? ‘OK, let’s do it!’ I love that man.”
The couple formed a company, and they set out looking for the right place. “We started brainstorming and discussing possibilities,” Suzanne said. “My idea began to take shape. I knew I wanted this business to be unique and memorable, something that tapped into my gift for visualization. I love to take things that are opposite and contrasting for a beautiful effect – that classic timeless sofa and mixing it with a handcrafted teak chair. So fun and beautiful.” And quite the juxtaposition.
She also enjoys “rescuing things” and designing it to look like the vision she has in her mind. What began as an outlet for her talents and love of design, transformed into Juxtaposition, the couple’s creative home space where Suzanne said everyone can be inspired to find their artful and eclectic side. They chose to invest and locate in downtown Camas because the growth the area is experiencing, while still preserving that “small town aesthetic and feel. More and more people are moving here and calling this little town by the Columbia River home!”
The couple set out to renovate and re-purpose the old Camas Post Record building. After blood, sweat and tears, they opened their doors on Feb. 28th of this year. And immediately, they were challenged by COVID-19 and the soon-to-be lock down which forced many businesses to close their doors, Juxtaposition included. Suzanne said they had to tackle the task of figuring out how Juxtaposition will function in this new environment. But with high hopes and possibilities, she said they have realized their vision of opening the store, seeing everything come together, and they are making it work! “We are happy to have the doors open, we are following all the rules as outlined by Gov. Inslee, so we can keep our customers safe when they visit us.”
Juxtaposition features brands and products related to custom leather, upholstery, furniture, lighting, home decor, and accessories. If there isn’t something in the store, Suzanne said they are happy to help customers find products in their various catalogs that will be the perfect fit for their home.
“Really, our favorite thing is when customers are curious and explorative. Our showroom is a collection of very beautiful pieces of art, home décor, and furniture that is unique, so customers come with an open mind and see what catches their eye,” Suzanne said. “We really try to be as available as possible for our customers. If we don’t have the answer, we find the answer … if customers want help finding the right piece for their home, we’ll do the research … and of course we are happy just chatting getting to know our customers and what they like. We’re also available for appointments with customers if they’d like more assistance, so we encourage customers to call us!”
Suzanne and her staff agree that the customers are the people that make their business grow, “Especially since we are new,” she said. “So they are important to us establishing ourselves in downtown. People often come into our store not knowing about us since we are so new and they tell us they’re very excited about Juxtaposition. It’s encouraging to know that what we are creating downtown is recognized and appreciated.”
Be sure to make a trip downtown to Juxtaposition to pick out your favorite piece of furniture. You can also find one-of-a-kind candles, kitchenware, lighting fixtures and a wide array of lotions and soaps! 425 NE 4th Ave. Shop online, too! https://www.artfuljuxtaposition.com/