Kristina Westman is a storyteller. But words aren't her medium. The Colorado native has been reviving antique pieces of furniture and household items for as long as she can remember.
“Taking an older piece and giving it new life changes a house to a home. It provides meaning and gives an authentic vibe. Each piece has a story to tell, and my goal is to help tell it,” she said.
Lucky for all of us, Westman has decided to share her stories through the opening of brick and mortar store Patina & Soul Pgh, LLC on 5th Avenue in downtown Coraopolis.
“We decided to open our doors in the middle of a pandemic [June 13, 2020], and that was very scary. We had a month to get everything set up for opening day. There were times when my son and I didn’t know if we were going to get it ready in time! That didn’t stop us,” she commented.
When Westman initially moved to the area in 2010, she got to know Ray Kinneman (owner, Emma Jean’s Relics) and Tracey McArdle (Vintage Revival) by furnishing her own home with pieces from their shops. She attributes their overflowing support and encouragement to her decision to open her own shop, as well as the welcoming atmosphere and small-town feel that Coraopolis offers.
She continued, “I am most proud to be a part of a community that is so humble, kind, welcoming, and genuine. They are very supportive of fellow small businesses, and even in the short time I have been open, I have heard amazing stories, seen beautiful smiles, and am amazed by the beauty of this community’s heart.”
For anyone considering opening up a new business, Westman offered the following advice:
“Fuel yourself on the dream and put everything you’ve got into it. Take that fear and change it into motivation to cross the finish line. There will always be things that get in the way and set you back but keep going. Follow your dreams. I wish someone would have told me to grab hold of mine a little sooner.”
Westman still holds a full-time day job as an office manager and certified Podiatric Medical Assistant for a private practice surgeon. She is grateful for her supportive husband of twenty-one years, Jason, and four children Kayla, Andrew, Kara, and Brandon (who works in the shop on Fridays).
Visit Patina & Soul at 932 5th Avenue on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and check the shop’s Facebook page @PatinaAndSoul for more details.