Shop Pivots Online In Pandemic: 'One Door Closes, Another Opens'

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — The challenges of the pandemic forced a woman to shutter her brick-and-mortar shop in Westhampton Beach in 2020 after months of uncertainty — but in the months since, her inner grit and perseverance fueled her path forward as she pivoted and grew her business online.

Now, Lisa Oehler, who lives in Remsenburg, has expanded upon her Hamptons Consignment Shoppe — where customers are able to purchase her designer and high-end clothing and other items — and introduced a new venture online, Bohemian Bay Bungalow, based on home decor, decorating, and design.

The name is perfectly suited to Oehler's aesthetic sensibilities, she said.

"I love all things with a Bohemian boho chic vibe," she said. "From clothing, decor, architecture, and vacation destinations. The 'bay' I feel fortunate enough to live a block from gives me inspiration to create beautiful pieces, signs, and garden design. Then, of course, 'bungalow' is the cozy cottage I live in that receives daily makeovers."

While Oehler said she has always painted furniture and signs — "an eclectic flair or unique knob is a focal point to every piece" — most recently, she has been creating whimsical designs from oyster and clam shells, crafting items such as keychains and napkin ring holders.

"Wallpaper has also become a recent obsession. I love vibrant colors that pop, such as aqua, lime green, and bright pinks," she said.

Ever an artist, painting has always nurtured her soul, Oehler said.

"It's very rare that you will see me without a paint brush in my hand. Wether it's an artist brush, filling in fine detail, or a regular paint brush adding paint to ceiling tins. My painting tarp with all of its magical colors tells many stories."

The pandemic necessitated a complete shift to a new business model but also spurred creative energy, Oehler said.

"As I am the owner of Hamptons Consignment Shoppe, the pandemic has had me on a whirlwind," she said. "Initially forcing me to close my doors in Westhampton Beach as I wasn't an essential business. Thankfully I was able to transition this business to be able to work from home and continue my relationships with my clientele. That being said, it has given me more time to have been able to focus my decorating passion on my — and others' — homes."

At first, Oehler told Patch that shuttering her store was a difficult blow to shoulder. "It was an emotional day, beginning to dismantle the shop with my daughter Sami, my 'baby bird,'" Oehler said in 2020. "My shop is a place I dreamt of for the past 20 years. It was beyond unfair." On the day she closed, she said, "I think I cried 18 times."

However, Oehler has faced many life shifts over the years and has learned how to forge a path with resilience and inner positivity.

In 2017, Oehler spoke with Patch about the joy of opening her own business after years of surviving abuse.

"I was in a dysfunctional marriage for 18 years and was hardly allowed to leave the house," she said. "In my second marriage, I was able to make the decision to open the shop I always wanted."

The store's first location in Eastport was the beginning of the dream, she said. "It was a place I loved to go to every day, with people who not only not became my clientele, but friends," she said.

Later, Oehler decided to "step it up a level," and open in a new location in Westhampton Beach.

Oehler has three adult children; as mother, the coronavirus has brought about other challenges and struggles. She and her son RJ worked together on a blog about his journey with addiction; the two co-author "A Mother's Love — Our Road to Recovery," on Facebook.

Despite all the life and business challenges, Oehler said she always looked forward. "I will sustain and conquer. I'm not a quitter. I've been through the unthinkable during the past 25 years."

Now, with new plans in place to grow her dream, Oehler reflected on the journey. "I've always been a firm believer that 'when one door closes another opens,'" she said. "My open door today allows me to broaden my horizons to be able to continue with a multitude of adventures."

Describing her work, Oehler said every piece she creates is one-of-a-kind. "It can be from the side of the road, a thrift store, or something that has washed up on shore at the bay or ocean. Hence, 'my product line' is continually a mystery to me. When I find something unique it becomes an inspiration piece for something as simple as a planter or as elaborate as an entire room."

With Bohemian Bay Bungalow, Oehler is excited to embark upon her next chapter as an artist and business owner.

"As cliche as it sounds, it's the simple things in life that bring me joy and excitement. I can find the perfect piece of driftwood and it will make my day," she said. "I know a hike through the woods or a stroll down the beach may bring me my next treasure. I look forward to what each day may bring into my life. Whether it's something for my home decor or new friendships — I create through conversations and common interests."