In 1997, she decided to delve into the world of retail by launching The Ribbonerie, now an esteemed shop in the affluent Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Celebrated for its exclusive selection, the boutique offers more than a thousand styles of top-quality ribbon—French wired, fine grosgrain and petit grain, metallic, satin, vintage, velvet, taffeta, and jacquard—sourced globally from countries including France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Asia, India, and Japan. The store also stocks one-of-a-kind variegated-color ribbons, vintage and contemporary passementerie, millinery supplies, buttons, handkerchiefs, and sewing notions.
“I love all embellishments of the trade,” Paulette notes, “but French is still my specialty. I have finders in Lyon, France, who help scour attics and ateliers for ribbons, feathers, flowers, and pre-1940s French cotton laces.”
Great article! I lived in the neighborhood and went in her store many times. She was always aloof and unhelpful. We both owned Cavalier dogs and that didn’t break the ice either. I wish my experiences had been as lovely as your story
Lol, that happens with artists and artist types sometimes!! It’s one of those conundrums, I have seen that often in artistic arenas. It never made sense to me, as I’m an artist and love people too. I used to own a bead store here in Davis. Absolutely loved it – art, craft, teaching people, meeting people, my heaven! Had to sell it though, my partner had to get out of it to hospice her roommate and I never got around to finding a replacement. I may still make the trip to city to check it out but keep the nature of the owner in mind!!!
Love your passion, I have always collected lace, sewing supples, ribbon. So glad you got to make it a thriving business and could work among your favorite items. jeannie