MILLRBROOK — One of the latest shops to move into the village of Millbrook is unusual with its shabby chic, eclectic feel . The Painted Peach owners Sarah and Martial Zulkifli have created a space where people can lounge around and enjoy a cup of coffee, all while appreciating unique art.
Sarah Zulkifli, a primary artist at the shop, described the road to opening their first business. It all began when she was trying to design “up” for herself on a tight budget.
Zulkifli was a stay-at-home mom who refurbished and revived old furniture and home décor in her kitchen. While she had support from clients by word of mouth, opening The Painted Peach gives her a space to showcase her work.
Hailing from Georgia, Zulkifli found the perfect “peachy” name for her shop.
Zulkifli also showcases other local artisans’ work, whether it be refurbishing furniture and décor, candles or handmade soaps and jewelry. She currently has about five artists’ work for sale in her shop, but says that she would love to welcome more.
One part of her business that Zulkifli is particularly excited about is letting the community know that it’s not just the furnishings in her shop that are available to them. She’s excited to begin commission work and create custom pieces for her clients’ homes.
“It’s giving pieces a whole new life” said Zulkifli, “It’s fun to re-create, even repurpose something like that. It’s art.”
Originally, the store was going to only feature furniture. However, the owners decided that offering gourmet coffees and light pastries would be more welcoming and support the friendly, lounging vibe they wanted to create. They also have organic teas, locally-roasted coffee and a French press.
With that, the front of the shop is more of a coffee lounge, featuring local artwork, equipped with free wifi. The back is progressing to be a full display of Zulkifli’s work and other artists’ pieces.
An important feature of the store is that, as far as prices, there is something for everyone. This reinforces the value that Zulkifli places on buying local.
Since their soft opening on the fourth of July weekend, the owners have found that they’ve had an enormously positive experience with their new business. Millbrook has been very receptive of their enterprise.
“Millbrook is genuinely supportive,” said Zulkifli.
They plan on joining with another local shop, Punch, for a grand opening and relaunch celebration to celebrate Punch’s successful move and the Painted Peach’s development thus far.
The Painted Peach is currently on “soft hours” of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Painted Peach is located at 45 Front St. For more information call 678-469-5962.
