What makes our world so wonderful? It’s the uniqueness and diversity. Every person I meet and interview shares a new story, each with its distinct pattern. Through my writing, I try to bring these experiences to life, sharing with you the incredible people, places, and events that make Sarasota so vibrant.
To escape the commercial energy and fast-paced daily grind, visit “The George.”
(https://thegeorgesarasota.com/) This little shop, tucked away on the second floor of a building on Main Street in downtown Sarasota, is a radiant space filled with eclectic artifacts, clothing, and home décor sourced from different cultures, countries, and eras.
But what makes The George genuinely magical is the atmosphere. It radiates a unique, bright energy that mirrors its owner, Camilla Reid, and her assistant, Lindsey. It’s rare to meet people so full of joy and pure energy, and each time I visit, I leave feeling uplifted and inspired. Is there anything more magical than that?
Before opening The George, Camilla spent most of her career as a social worker, focusing on public health issues like cancer prevention, heart disease, diabetes, and neighborhood revitalization. Although she found great fulfillment in this work, by 2021, Camilla felt the pull to pursue a lifelong dream: opening her own business.
Over the years, Camilla had built an impressive and eclectic collection of hand-themed items, from chairs and lamps to sculptures and vases. Her passion for unusual, quirky pieces and her love for mid-century furniture inspired her vision for The George. What started as an idea for a café eventually blossomed into a unique store that reflects her artistic tastes and personal history.
Camilla originally planned to open a café near local colleges, specializing in bubble tea. However, she soon realized that while she enjoyed creating a community space, her true passion lay in fashion and curation. The demands of running a café took too much time and energy away from what she truly loved: collecting and curating unique clothing and artifacts.
As the store evolved, Camilla shifted from mid-century furniture to clothing, which proved more popular and aligned with her interests. Fashion was a significant part of her life, a love passed down from her mother. She quickly discovered that local college students adored the vibrant, affordable clothing she sourced. Her store reflected her eclectic tastes, offering everything from unisex and children’s clothing to men’s fashion, focusing on affordability and bold, colorful designs.
When The George first opened in September 2021, it was located on North Tamiami Trail. The business split its income between café drinks and merchandise. However, running both became overwhelming, especially as Camilla managed everything herself, working seven days a week. With help from Lindsey (on the photo), who took on outreach and pop-ups, Camilla gradually shifted her focus to clothing and artifacts.
In August 2024, Camilla relocated to 1960 Main Street, a more central location in downtown Sarasota. Although moving upstairs posed some logistical challenges, she believed the new spot would attract more foot traffic and revitalize the store. The new location allowed her to fully embrace her love for fashion and unique artifacts, leaving behind the café to focus on the aspects of her business that bring her the most joy.
When I asked Camilla, "Why The George?" she explained with a smile:
"Among the many artifacts I've collected over the years, one that truly stands out is a vintage, two-sided pub sign called "The George." It's more than just a sign—it's a piece of history I've come to cherish. The name ‘George’ feels universal; it could represent anything—a café, a shop, anything I want. While it’s likely inspired by King George, the simplicity of "The George" allows me to shape its identity."
Camilla explained how "The George" holds a deeper meaning. It represents the spirit of the Industrial Revolution and the Georgian era—periods of transformation and innovation, which she highlights on her website. For her, "The George" symbolizes a modern reimagining of these eras, blending the past with the present.
Her family history is also woven into the fabric of her brand. Her business cards feature a lithograph of her fifth great-grandfather, John Harrison, the inventor of the marine chronometer. His work revolutionized navigation by determining longitude at sea. Camilla explained that the image in her branding is a tribute to her family’s legacy and a celebration of the spirit of innovation that drives her work today.
The George reflects Camilla’s love for sourcing diverse, eclectic items worldwide. Her collection spans Asian and African patterns, vintage English porcelain, and mid-century furniture. While she has scaled back on some artifacts due to lower demand, she still plans to incorporate unique home décor, such as vintage hanging basket chairs and cast iron fountains.
With more time and energy, Camilla is now branching into new ventures. She has started wholesaling to boutiques and is entering the world of online sales, expanding her reach beyond the shop. In addition, she is launching monthly fashion shows, held on the first Friday of every month, to create a hub of activity and draw attention to the diverse offerings in her store. The first Runway Show is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024, from 6 PM to 7 PM, with doors opening at 5 PM. The event will feature local talent and aims to build a creative community around her business. Visitors are invited to stop by, meet talented people, enjoy a glass of wine, and discover a different side of Sarasota.
Camilla retains her vibrant, eclectic style while adapting her business to new opportunities. The shift from café to fashion has allowed her to focus on what she truly loves, and she’s excited about The George's future growth.
Photos: iruphotos.com
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