Mother-Daughter Team Merge Talents, Expand Shop

Jacqueline Burnette left Murrieta after high school to attend college at the University of Tennessee, and came back with more than a degree in psychology--she returned with a newfound artistic talent.

While scrounging for money in college, Burnette and a roommate began re-purposing used wine bottles. It began with wine-bottle tiki torches, which sold well in the Tennessee because they were filled with Citronella oil to keep the bugs away.

That blossomed into finding many other items she could make from the old glass, such as jewelry. It grew from there, and Burnette, now 25, makes beaded jewelry and other specialized items, such as button rings. She also repurposes old watches, using the spare parts to accentuate her pieces.

With all the inventory, she needed a place to sell her artistic musings. That worked well with her mother's business plan to expand her antique store in Historic Downtown Murrieta.

So Aug. 1, Burnette and her mother, Kelly Burnette, owner of , took a leap of faith and moved to a larger space.

Kelly can sell her antiques and specialty items, such as furniture she has a knack for re-purposing, and Jacqueline can sell her jewelry and tiki torches.

Cottage Charm is located at 41529 Ivy St. in the larger house at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Ivy, perched on the edge of Historic Downtown Murrieta.

In describing the shop, they both agree "eclectic" is a good term.

"This is what I love to do," said Kelly, who five months ago scrapped her real estate career to get back in the antique business.

With the larger space, she was finally able to unload a collection she purchased from a dealer in Maine. The mother-daughter team frequent estate and yard sales three days a week to keep the inventory fresh, and said they aim to keep their prices low.

"Our prices are very reasonable, so that people in this economy can afford to buy at least something," Kelly said.

"We don't make a lot of money, but we work so well together."

The larger building came about after they'd rented a smaller one on the same lot. They quickly outgrew the space, and approached the property owners about renting out the larger house. The deal was sweetened when the Burnettes found a replacement tenant, Miss Boclayvees, which also sell antiques and specialty items.

The Burnettes have set aside a classroom area, and are inviting artists and crafters to use the space for teaching.

They envision hosting tea parties and baby showers in a large garden area they now have.

"We have more than enough tea cups here," Kelly said, motioning to shelves of collectibles, old and new.

There are now six active antique and specialty shops in Historic Downtown Murrieta, which Kelly said attract drive-by customers as well as regulars from neighboring cities in Southwest Riverside County.

The shop owners collaborate regularly and are inviting the community to a special event, Ladies Night Out, on Aug. 18. A map and directions to each shop will be provided.