Amy Bradshaw, Proprietor
Amy Bradshaw curates the shop and leads her dedicated band of Shopgirls with passion and intention. You’ll find her on the sales floor tweaking displays, curly hair piled atop her head, joyfully focused on what she does best – what she calls “this odd business of vintage retail.” Amy has been deeply involved in retail since 1999, beginning in her college days when she designed her first booth at a flea market, then later running several booths in antique shops and a successful e-commerce site.
Bloom & Bee Swanky, established in 2005, is the prize flower of her career so far. The shop’s concept is an ode to the romance and swanky glamour of the ‘40s as effortlessly represented by her Oma {grandmother}—the smiling lady on the bicycle used in the shop’s press, captured in a photo taken many years ago by Amy’s Opa {grandfather} when the two were dating. The ‘bee’ motif is emblematic of Amy’s late father-in-law, a beekeeper and a man of integrity and devotion.
Matt Bradshaw, Amy’s other half, is an essential part of the Bloom & Bee Swanky team and allows Amy’s dreams to come true. Matt is always at work behind the scenes designing and building custom furniture, rewiring vintage lighting, and forever encouraging Amy and her staff. Amy designs her vision, and Matt builds it into reality.
Both Matt and Amy are graduates of Tarleton State University. Amy’s love of nature and wildlife was fed by a degree in Agriculture Services and Development, where she discovered the behind the scenes workings of a business world that valued the meaning of a handshake. There, she was immersed in a rich Texas Culture and discovered her passion for design, the evidence of which is everywhere in Bloom & Bee Swanky. {Imagine a pillow made from an old grain sack, propped on a rusty bed swathed with elegant lace, over which a crystal chandelier swings.} Even the antique artwork that graces the store {chosen by Amy} features farm scenes or photos of livestock {then are displayed next to elegant sterling antique platters}.
Beverly
Beloved by Bloom & Bee Swanky’s loyal customers, Beverly’s infectious spirit shines with grace, good humor, and generosity. She is Proprietor Amy’s co-treasure hunter at salvage yards and antique fairs across Texas. The unofficial mother of the Bloom & Bee Swanky family, you’ll find Beverly’s lively wit a treat.
Amy J.
Sweet Amy J. is a student of Interior Design at nearby Baylor University. As the mannequin mistress of Bloom & Bee Swanky, she is responsible for imaginatively appointing the shop’s vintage maidenforms that delight and intrigue customers. You’ll know Amy J. by her lovely smile.
Rebekah
Baylor University graduate Rebekah’s nearly photographic memory comes in handy for treating customers to superior, old fashioned, first name basis customer service. Ever artfully styled, you might think Rebekah just walked off the pages of a vintage fashion magazine. You’ll nearly always find her in heels.
Debi
Debi is Bloom & Bee Swanky’s Staff Merchandiser. Her uncanny knack for seeing artistry in the rustiest of found objects keeps the shop’s vignettes fresh and quirky. Proprietor Amy calls Debi a creative design genius. You’ll know Debi by her transcendent displays.
Other Lovies
On any given day you’ll find the Bloom & Bee Swanky staff rounded out by Becky, Casi, Dolly, and/or honorary Bee family member Becki . We love our cast of characters and every one of us is here to make your shopping experience an unforgettable one.
