1. Can you tell us how the idea for Chosen Tweed came about, and what inspired you to open a home and gift store here in Media?
The general concept has been there for me. Living and being in spaces that feel intentional, well thought out, and comfortable makes me happy. I enjoy bringing sensible design, approachable luxury, and entertaining guests together. Chosen Tweed is a reflection of my home, warm and welcoming and always ready to entertain. I wanted to be a destination where customers can find a well-curated collection of home and gift items, gain confidence in showing their personal style in their own space, and feel a sense of trust and belonging at Chosen Tweed.
Initially, I planned to open a small home store. I wanted a local home & gift store where I could buy items that matched my style rather than shop elsewhere or at big box stores. The concept evolved into a space that forges design, thoughtful gift giving, community connections, and giving back.
The name Chosen Tweed evolved with the business idea. “Chosen” is a nod to how my family has formed through the adoptions of our 3 kids (Alexandra, Trevor, and Julian) and rescuing our dog Bella. We choose the people with whom we want to surround ourselves. We choose what we bring into our home to reflect our personal style and we choose gifts for those who we cherish.
“Tweed” is an understated reference to the suiting material, classic and refined. My hope is that customers feel that same classic and refined style when they come into the store.
My mother was born and raised in France. She set a very high bar for how to host guests in our home, how to make them feel comfortable, and how to enjoy the experience herself. She knew how to gracefully fill a space with her personality, a trait that she passed along to me. I hope that when you come into Chosen Tweed, you feel like you are coming into someone’s home.
2. What is your vision and philosophy for Chosen Tweed?
Naming your style is like guessing someone’s weight - avoid it at all costs! Our family spends vacations on Cape Cod, so the casual coastal feel is always present. I gravitate to items that have color, pattern, and texture. Durability and functionality are key as many of our customers have kids, pets, or both. Chosen Tweed focuses on approachable luxury that allows for some splurge items without sticker shock.
Returning customers frequently share that they know they will find the perfect gift or home accent at Chosen Tweed, despite not knowing what it is. We ask questions so we can offer suggestions to customers that make sense with their lifestyle, and focus on building rapport, which is critical to an ongoing relationship rooted in trust.
Ina Garten, also known as the Barefoot Contessa, is a major inspiration for the store. After seeing her speak at the Academy of Music in October 2024, I decided that I would open the store by the time I got to the parking lot. She emphasized the creation of beautiful spaces that intrigue the senses while actively listening to your customers resonated deeply with me. She truly embodies understated elegance and how to treat guests in her home. I strive to do the same here at Chosen Tweed.
3. How do you go about sourcing your products? What do you look for when curating your collection?
Finding the right collection of items for the store is a never-ending process. Kristin, our fantastic buyer, seeks out new and unique products and vendors and our product offering stays fresh and exciting. We look for products with a story. Local vendors, eco-friendly and fair trade products, and businesses that support important causes and the community always rise to the top of our list.
Aside from sourcing products, there is a natural dye studio in the store. Our Studio Manager Meg brings a wealth of experience, creativity, and energy to the studio that is infectious. She has created a hub for those seeking a creative outlet in a community-oriented approach. Chosen Tweed Studio produces custom home textiles including tablecloths, napkins, table runners, pillows, and aprons. Meg and her team expertly pair naturally dyed fabrics with beautiful printed fabrics to make one-of-a-kind pieces.
Every Monday on Instagram, we post Josh’s Picks, a spotlight on items that I personally like and bring into my home. Customers enjoy the personal connection and trustworthy advice. I make sure that the items featured are really my favorites, not just a random item.
Right now, I have a few items that keep catching my eye. The Icaria Bench is the perfect flex seating option with interesting details that make it a conversation starter. We recently started carrying a French line of pillows that come in gorgeous colors and patterns. My favorite seat in the store is the Galiot Chair, a modern & casual take on the classic wingback chair. Our acrylic trays are a no-brainer and can be paired with matching napkins and a bottle of wine for a great host gift. A cookbook from our collection along with a fun serving utensil is always an easy option. Geometry tea towels are a crowd favorite with various patterns and color palettes from which to choose.
4. How does Chosen Tweed reflect the spirit of Media?
We have been so happy with all of the good wishes showered upon us by the community. We regularly hear “Welcome to Media!” from customers. Community is the bedrock of the store. We actively participate in various Media events and collaborate with other businesses to form strong and trusting relationships. Our Sip & Shop events give 10% back from the sales to a specific local organization. We donate a portion of our proceeds on select pet items to Providence Animal Center throughout the year. We are always looking for new ways to meaningfully give back to our community.
As a new business in “Everybody’s Hometown,” Chosen Tweed wanted to continue with the mission set forth by Game on State to employ adults with disabilities in an integrated work environment. As the vision for Chosen Tweed came to fruition, so did hiring employees of ANEWAY, making our store the first on State Street to model this approach.
5. How does Chosen Tweed create a personal and memorable experience for shoppers?
On our second day open, a customer came into the store to shop. When I started talking with her, she shared that she had been there the day before to buy some things. She mentioned that she was in a bit of a funk that morning and headed to Chosen Tweed, remembering how she felt, how kind the team was to her, and how beautiful the store was. That’s when I first felt like we had achieved our goal of being a welcoming space.
I'm often told how great my team is. Working with my team every day is one of my favorite parts of the business. They are a dynamic, happy, smart, and funny group of people who each bring such character and charm to the team.
Our door is always open to visitors of all ages, even dogs! We keep a secret stash of snacks, dog treats, and kids' games behind the register to keep even the fussiest shoppers happy. I cherish the relationships we have already built and the interesting people who I have met.
6. What do you envision for the future of Chosen Tweed?
I hope to see Chosen Tweed develop into a community hub, somewhere that people from all backgrounds can engage and learn. We will continue to strive to be a place where you can trust us implicitly.
112 W State St, Media, PA 19063
@ChosenTweed
Living and being in spaces that feel intentional, well thought out, and comfortable makes me happy.
Returning customers frequently share that they know they will find the perfect gift or home accent at Chosen Tweed despite not knowing what it is.