Chic + One of a kind home decor
The hidden Berkley gem you should check out before you update your home
I am so glad many of you reached out to say you enjoyed last week's post featuring Min’na because there is a part two here for you! At the same event where I met Elena, I also met Naomi Phan-Quang. What I didn’t realize right away was that Elena and Naomi are both two halves of Imasala Collective, which encompasses Min’na and the brand I want to talk to you about today: Clove and Whole.
The opportunity to meet inspiring people like Elena and Naomi is what truly gets me of my introverted frame of mind and out the door to events these days. Naomi was also at The Mother Mag and Blk Girls Green House event, where she had done a stellar vintage home goods collab with Blk Girls Green House.
I wanted everything Naomi had sourced for this vintage collection, but I walked away (controlling my impulse) with just these gorgeous Japanese tea cups and saucers.
Buying vintage items for my home has long been a goal of mine, but I really don’t have much experience in that space. My vintage clothes are all family hand-me-downs, and for the most part, our home furnishings and decor are new purchases. But what happens with all new home goods is that your space starts to look like a store catalog, and you have to try really hard to put your own personality into it. Or so I find, at least.
For example, the coffee table we have is from 2016 West Elm, and I think four of my friends told me they have the same one or were waiting for theirs to be delivered when I first posted a photo of it on IG years ago. Of course, we all have different styles when it comes to our homes, but the uniqueness and the it-factor go away when you buy home decor from traditional retailers and to be fair, most of us millennials have an ‘aesthetic’ that can quickly turn into a cliché.
At the same time, I know nothing about how to judge the price and quality of vintage home goods to make a purchase. The one time my husband and I went to a vintage store, it was a massive warehouse, and I left feeling so overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, as well as concerned about the quality given things were strewn about and nothing came with any explanation or tag on what was functional and what might need some TLC and restoration.
All that said, it was the complete opposite experience when I visited Naomi’s vintage collection at her store Clove and Whole (located at 1714 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA). The collection is tight, well-curated (as I mentioned the same about Min’na last week), and since Naomi has already vetted the pieces, you can trust the quality. And Naomi has a great eye. Truly. While our home is pretty colorful and many of the things at Clove and Whole are neutral or earthy tones, everything I saw in the store felt like it would fit so naturally into our space and avoid the dreaded copy-paste Crate and Barrel catalog vibe. These vintage pieces are primed to bring a source of character and je ne sais quoi into your humble abode.
Min’na and Clove and Whole together make up the IMASALA COLLECTIVE, the two-part shop in Berkeley. On the right side, you will find a collection of handpicked vintage and preloved furnishings, homewares, and clothing from Clove and Whole, and on the left side of the shop, you will find Min’na, the inclusive kids store.
Naomi not only offers a constantly changing selection of vintage pieces in-store but also excellent second-hand clothing items and new merchandise such as shoes, candles, and a ton of other items that make perfect hostess gifts. Between the two stores, Elena and Naomi also use their space to showcase local Bay Area artists, and small business owners through pop-ups, workshops, and events. I love their commitment to this community, and having attended one of their events, it's clear that the community also appreciates and values their efforts. (In the interview below, you will also learn about Naomi’s impetus for opening Clove and Whole, which is truly moving.)
I highly urge you to visit Clove and Whole if you are in the Bay Area. There is a treasure trove of beautiful items in-store, from drinkware and furniture to modern merch like candles, chocolates, self-care products, and so much more. If you are an interior designer, you have to check this space out — you will find one-of-a-kind pieces your clients will absolutely love. While chatting with Naomi, she also mentioned that she can source specific things you might be looking for! While I went to the store with a plan of buying some home decor, I actually purchased a pair of black babouche slippers that will become a fall wardrobe staple. They are so soft, mold to my feet, and I’ve actually walked my dog in them, so I can say for certain, they are a win.
We plan to spend some time in early fall sprucing up our space with art and decor that works with our toddler constraints. My first stop will be Clove and Whole to find interesting and unique pieces to freshen up our living and dinning room and hopefully allow me to say, “Oh, that? It’s vintage, darling,” when we host dinners and someone asks me where my cool vase or mug is from. 💁🏻♀️
Hear from Naomi about her journey to opening Clove and Whole. Next time you need a housewarming gift or a new centerpiece for your place, make a trip to her store — you will be so glad you did!
Can you share a little bit about your background?
I was born in the Philippines but moved to San Francisco when I was two years old. I currently reside in the East Bay with my hubby, four kiddos and a two-year-old bernedoodle. My academic background is in education, but I spent the past decade as a stay-at-home mom, photographer and, most recently, a vintage shop owner.
What made you want to launch Clove and Whole?
CLOVE + WHOLE was a two-fold decision. It was born both out of an affinity for old things and a desire to see restoration and wholeness in the things (and people) around me. Vintage pieces have always had my heart. They often have unique craftsmanship and attention to detail that’s hard to find in mass-produced goods. I also found a profound satisfaction in taking something that may have been overlooked or weathered over time and restoring it to its former glory. At the same time, I wanted to carve out a space where I could curate pieces with history and character and to offer them to the greater community while promoting sustainability and encouraging a mindset of quality and longevity in what we consume.
What do you feel makes Clove and Whole unique?
The answer to this question brings me to the second reason I started CLOVE + WHOLE. It was a deeply personal one, influenced by my experience with postpartum depression. After the birth of my fourth child, I found myself searching for something that would bring me joy and a sense of purpose in tandem with and beyond motherhood. I've always been drawn to the nostalgia and history embodied in vintage items, and I discovered that immersing myself in the process of curating and restoring these treasures became a therapeutic outlet. The practice of outward restoration became a tangible representation of my inner growth and emotional well being.
Through the shop, I hope to create a welcoming space where others can find ease and inspiration, much like I did curating and restoring vintage treasures. I hope folks will come to realize that beauty and meaning can be found in unexpected places. My journey with mental health taught me the importance of self-care and finding activities and routines that nurture the soul. This shop is my way of sharing that journey and spreading a message of hope and healing through restoration.
What is something you wish your consumers knew or understood about your industry?
Every time someone makes a purchase at the shop, I do a little dance in my heart (and many times in the privacy of our stock room, haha). Each purchase feels like a small victory. The retail landscape has shifted tremendously and it’s often difficult for a small business owner to compete with the speed, convenience and scale of larger corporations. I put a lot love and consideration into what I offer, and connecting with my customers is a top priority. When you support small businesses, you are contributing to that sentiment and the vibrancy and uniqueness of our communities. Small businesses reflect the local culture, history, and values. We offer intentional and authentic shopping experiences.
Can you share a little about any exciting launches coming up for Clove and Whole?
I’m not so sure this is considered a “launch,” but it is a sign of things to come! I recently decided to go back to school for mental health nursing. My own journey has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in supporting mental well-being. Listening to the stories of others who have shared their struggles with me has been incredibly humbling and eye-opening. Each person's journey has reinforced my desire to deepen my knowledge and skills so that I can be a more holistic, effective advocate. Going back to school feels like the next step in my purpose and calling for restoration.
Where can consumers learn more about you/Clove and Whole?
Instagram: @cloveandwhole @naomipq
Website: www.cloveandwhole.com
In-person at IMASALA COLLECTIVE on 1714 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley
A fun one: what is something unexpected someone might find in your bag? Bonus points for a “What’s in my bag” photo!
There is always something random in my purse, but this week it would have to be a small leather retractible measuring tape I found in Lisbon two years ago. I recently rediscovered it as I was cleaning out my closet.
Thank you Naomi for sharing your story and wishing you the very best as you embark on your nursing journey as well!