03/31/2025
March 13, 2020, the day schools were shut down due to C*vid... That was the day I took my first boxes full of inventory to Belle Jar Design, in Clifton, VA. Starting up as a vintage dealer at a brick and mortar location as the pandemic was also starting up was arguably not the best business decision...
Fortunately, Kerry, our fearless leader, soon got us up and selling on Shopify- quite a feat for a shop with a vast amount of one-of-a-kind items that were constantly being replenished.
Thankfully, our patrons supported us online throughout the pandemic; picking up their unique treasures on our contact-free front porch... We survived!
My experience at Belle Jar Design over the past five years has been so wonderful. We had the best team of Belles; all were so passionate about their work, and all collaborated so well to make Belle Jar Design a truly special, welcoming, and community-centered shop, that brought fresh energy to the historic town.
Notably, our customers were so kind, encouraging, and supportive over the years, and up until the very end. Thank you so very much!
I am disappointed and angry to see everything weβve built come to an end today, over a seemingly impulsive hand-shake deal, later approved by the town council. This shortsighted fix to eliminate a successful women-owned retail shop, and to renovate a charming 1905 home on Main St. for the purposes of making it into office space will, I imagine, have unintended consequences for the town of Clifton.
Today, Belle Jar Design closed its doors for good, but as Belles know- when one door closes, another one will open- and it will lead us to exactly where we are meant to be.
I will miss our quaint historical town, our loyal customers, and the Belles. I will continue to offer vintage home dΓ©cor in my Etsy shop at Green Spruce Designs (link in comments below).
I am now going to take a few weeks to rest and recharge. During this time, I will be dabbling in art classes- perhaps art will be a creative outlet that opens a new door!? I am excited to explore the possibilities and to see where this next chapter leads.
With gratitude,
Jen Green
(Owner of Green Spruce Designs)