Gallery Offers Whimsy, One-of-a-Kind Artifacts in Falls Church

By Frank Klimko

When Bob and Theresa Stifel opened their artisan gallery in Falls Church six years ago, they exchanged a place on the rungs of the corporate ladder for a life filled with art shows, vintage pieces and one-of-a-kind artifacts. 

The whimsically named shop,  “Stifel and Capra, ‘Art and Ornament for your Wonderful Life,’" is located along a main thoroughfare in Falls Church, next to an antique store. Patch chatted with Theresa to learn more about the shop and the origins of the original name.

Patch: What is your business and what makes it special or unique?

Theresa: Stifel & Capra is a artisan gallery and vintage shop that specializes in one of a kind accessories.  I only work with local artists, artisans and treasure hunters to curate an eclectic mix that make it easy to find a truly one of a kind gift. 

Patch: What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know?

Theresa: Some people assume that the shop is a retirement job or a vanity project but it is a true, old fashioned family business. My husband and two kids all work in the business along side our resident artists pulling shifts to keep the doors open seven days a week.

Patch: The gallery opened July 2, 2007. What has been the biggest challenge in keeping the business running and the biggest reward?

Theresa: The challenges have changed over the years. Getting our name out in the beginning, juggling schedules, creating business structures that enable us to juggle the 150+ consignors we partner with.  It is hard juggling the visible part of the business -- cool displays, fun merchandise mix, social media, open houses, classes -- against the behind the scenes things: financials, cleaning, hauling, telling people "no". 

The biggest reward? When clients tell me that what they buy at the shop was "the perfect thing," or that they come in just for a "mental health break," because just walking in the store makes them happy. I also love when someone brings a friend in and they nudge their friend and say "See? I told you, this place is awesome." 

Patch: Who is the Capra in Stifel and Capra? 

Theresa: Capra is my imaginary partner Frank Capra.  I could have called the shop "Theresa & Her Wonderful Life" but that doesn't sound very corporate. I am a pathologically positive person, thus the sly reference to the Frank Capra, the director of the film "It's a Wonderful Life". It's a daily reminder that most of us are blessed with excess and I am especially lucky to be working in an environment that I love. 

We had always planned on opening a place like this "later," after we retired or when we hit the lottery or some stocks paid out.  But after quitting my corporate job to stay home with my family, my husband Bob was taken ill with an infection that landed him in the ICU for six weeks and caused his leg to be amputated. Stifel & Capra was originally launched to be a flexible way to utilize my connections in the creative world while juggling my kids schedule and Bob's rehab.  Happily for our family, it is much more than that now.

Patch: What's your most popular product or service?

Theresa: I always answer this question "depends on the day."  Some days it is jewelry, art & vintage treasures. Other days our workshops keep us busy, still other days it is our DIY department of paint and supplies.  I think our mix of products and services is what keeps us in business.

Patch: How does your business connect with the community?

Theresa: Stifel & Capra connects with the community in a myriad of ways, donating gift baskets to local charities, hosting events for non-profit music festivals, contributing a percentage of profits of our paint sales to housing charities.  On a personal level we connect with our clients every day.  Helping our customers choose a gift, learn something new or choose a paint color to decorate their home are all ways we stay connected to our clients.

Contact Info:

260 W. Broad Street, Falls Church, Virginia 22046

(703) 533-3557

http://www.stifelandcapra.com/aboutus.php