Yes, the Store is Open
In the past couple years, many people have walked by, peered in the window, knocked on the door or walked away. Some have walked across the street asking those in other stores on Morton Street in Downtown Richmond, “Is the Studio of Richmond shop open?” The response has been, “We do not think so.”
However, this well-kept secret, this store is open, by appointment only, except on Saturday afternoons. Those who do make the call and visit are overwhelmingly surprised at the treasures they find, such as fine china, unique gift ideas, silver and gold jewelry, Lamar Consolidated ISD school charms, pewter college items, specialty candles and creams, Harmony Kingdom collections, Lenox place settings, Waterford crystal, sterling silver, a wide range of jewelry including pearls and gem stones, specialty plates, fine linens, figurines by some of the top manufacturers, teapots, antiques, and so much more.
“We also carry one of the finest collections of vanity items in sterling silver which are hard to find. Also, people drive from many parts of Texas to buy our opalescence glassware. The American glass companies are closed so many of the glassware items we have are over 100 years old,” said Laurel Wendt, owner, Studio of Richmond, Richmond, Texas.
But it isn’t just what those see in the store window or on the shelves, it is also what is going on behind the scene.
Wendt is an artist, jeweler, and designer with a full jeweler workshop, complete with a torch, casting and engraving machine and other large items, that this petite and youthful looking owner handles masterfully. She is often found at her work desk in large jeweler magnifying glasses, cutting the most delicate and detailed items.
“In my workshop I design and produce specialty pins for different organization, for example the graduating seniors from the different high schools. I also design and produce the pins given to many of the non-profits and organization for their employee awards events,” Wendt said.
One of the popular items the store carries are charm bracelets with the school initials, and grade or year of attendance. There are also other charms such as footballs to add.
Wendt also designs and knots pearl necklaces and bracelets with stunning closures and fasteners, which is one of the most sought after bride maids and wedding gifts or for those who appreciate having a one-of-a-kind stunning piece of jewelry.
“I also handle stationary, wedding and event invitations and personal note cards. I work with brides-to-be on many of the details for their upcoming wedding. One of the reasons I ask people to call for an appointment to shop or to have a personal consultation, is I may be working with a client, and I like to give each person my full attention,” Wendt said.
Wendt’s clients are from around the country, the state and those in the know in the area.
Wendt, a native Richmond resident graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School, class of 1970 and is the daughter of Billie and Jack Wendt, also of Richmond. She is also the mother of two grown daughters and wife of Mike Phillips.
Wendt graduated from Columbia College, Columbia Missouri, with a Bachelor of Arts, K-12 teaching certificate and a minor in psychology. Wendt taught school 1975-1979. A year before she stopped teaching to follow her passion, she began designing copper enamel pendants and plates. Many of her items were in art shows as well.
“In college I took a jewelry course and loved it. After I had a number of items designed and ready, my mother began hosting art shows for me in her home. It was not long before I began to receive custom commissioned orders, by word of mouth,” Wendt said.
Today, Wendt’s store, The Studio of Richmond, Inc., 301 Morton Street, Richmond, Texas 77469, is a testament to her creativity, talent, and skill.
One customer was over head saying, “The Studio? It is a great place to shop when you want something unique, different and not the same old stuff you usually see at the mall or when you want to buy something for someone who has everything. There is something in every price range, something for everyone.”
That pretty much sums it up.
For an appointment to visit The Studio of Richmond, please call 281-381-1865 or 281-342-4808. However, the doors of the store are usually opened after lunch on Saturdays until 5:00 p.m.
