Alameda Business Spotlight: To Herb with Love

Owner: Marti Collins

When did you open your store? About nine years ago. The original location was on Encinal. Then I moved to 1214 Oak St. across from Alameda High School.

And when did you relocate to Santa Clara Avenue? About six weeks ago. I wanted to be in a more visible location such as Park Street but the rents there are really high. I found this place and I just love it here. There’s a bus stop right on the corner and there are lots of other businesses around that people frequent.

What types of merchandise do you carry? I hand-make and sell a lot of soap. It’s made with shea butter, which is very good for softening your skin. I’m finding that a lot of men are coming in to buy the soap.

There are European T-shirts that I just love. They are very retro. (They range from extra small to extra large.) I’ll be getting a new shipment at the end of March. I also have shoes and purses.

I love the 1920s. The 1940s are also fun. We have posters of vintage ladies from the silent movies. There’s an artist in San Francisco who hand tints them and add glitter. And there are some necklaces with photos of old movie stars like Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn.

I shop around for my jewelry in New York or L.A. I try to get good-quality jewelry that is kind of different, that you don’t find everywhere. For instance, a lot of young girls are wearing stud earrings because they’re not allowed to wear hoops at school, so I try to get a variety—I have heart shapes, flowers, crystals from Australia. Also, I have a collection of jewelry for going out in the evening. A lot of times people can’t find reasonably priced items anymore.

Why is your store named To Herb With Love? I used to sell herb baths, salts and soaps.

So there’s no guy named Herb? No!

What do you like about doing business here? I like Alameda. It’s safe for people to walk around. People are friendly.

 To Herb With Love is now located at 2534 Santa Clara Ave.