Uptown Oakland gift shop to celebrate four years
Marie Deleris knew she was taking a risk, but it felt right. And four years after opening a home décor and gift shop in the Uptown district, it still feels right.
“I had something for Oakland, and I think it’s love,” said Deleris, a former lawyer who moved to California from her native Paris in 2003 to learn English. She relocated permanently after recognizing that a keen eye for decorating her own home could actually present an exciting new career opportunity.
Years of recession and Uptown’s slow but certain re-emergence as a vibrant shopping and dining destination have made staying in business a challenge. But with the reopening of the Fox Theater and continuing success of the Flora bistro and other area businesses, Deleris believes she is perfectly situated to serve a growing client base.
On May 7, Deleris, who has three employees and 575 customers on her electronic newsletter, will celebrate the fourth anniversary of the open house for Entrez! with a gathering timed to coincide with First Friday art events downtown. Local photographer Christopher Hall will exhibit his work, which will be on display through June, and soul singer Damond Moodie will perform.
The 35-year-old Deleris, who lives in Alameda, happened onto the former Elwood’s women’s clothing store at 1645 Telegraph Ave. completely by accident. Seven years ago, Deleris and a friend were leaving a class on how to operate a small business when they walked by the corner storefront’s angular windows and saw a for-lease sign.
