Kevin O’Brien Studios, our newest fling.
New York News
Just back from the work that makes stores run!
Rest in Peace, Shelley
We lost one of our own this week. Shelley was a warm friend, a trusted colleague, and devoted to the world of luxury textiles.
Shelley Rideout was crossing a street just around the corner from her home in Berkeley on Friday, and was struck by a city-owned vehicle; she died at the scene. Shelley was 70 years old and worked for Samuel Scheuer in San Francisco for over 25 years. She was also intimately involved in the Berkeley Historical Society.
In addition to Shelley’s interest in the history of her beloved Berkeley, she had an immense knowledge of textiles and apparel. Shelley was a respected expert in the world of luxury textiles and linens. She provided copious service and advice to multiple generations of customers in the Bay Area. In recent years Shelley operated mostly behind the scenes and was responsible for coordinating the myriad details of custom orders; she continued, however, to maintain a small stable of devoted customers that insisted on working only with her.
Shelley was a unique blend of genteel respect and feistiness. Her quiet and calm demeanor was the order of the day until she felt passionate about something, at which point she did not hesitate to make her opinion known. Shelley was measured, deliberate and could be a whole lot of fun. Her fun side can be seen in the above video which was shot at our company holiday party in December 2016. Along with Dax, the youngest member of our staff, Shelley (the oldest member!) is singing karaoke to Janis Joplin. Shelley had never done it before, but was completely on board and didn’t let modesty stand in the way.
While we’re presently in shock that something like this could happen to one of our tight-knit team members, we’re particularly struck at how unfair life can be. Over the past two years, and on a very personal note, Shelley successfully battled a bout with cancer and worked through a hip replacement, all the while living on her own and taking complete charge of her recovery.
Shelley will be missed in our small industry. Here’s an example of the many emails I’ve received:
“I am truly, truly saddened to hear the news of Shelley. She was one of the employees of ANY of my 350 customers that I most respected and liked working with. Her product knowledge was unparalleled, and that teamed with her gentle nature and quick mind, made her an absolute pleasure to work with. I will certainly say a prayer tonight for the repose of her soul, and will keep you, the team and her family in my thoughts going forward. Please express to her family how special I felt she was, and how I personally felt touched by the news of her untimely passing. Sending comfort and hugs to the LS family in this hard time.”
Shelley is survived by a brother, many friends and colleagues, and her beloved cat, Betty Boop, who will be adopted by one of her friends.
Monograms in Motion
Greetings from Atlanta, where we’re unveiling all that’s new at Henry Handwork.
