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Chandeliers + Tulips – or C+T, as I call it – has been my life's work since I was 16. Located in Agoura Hills, California, C+T began as a little shop with low ceilings and fluorescent lights, nothing fancy. With the beautiful haven we've since built, filled with clothing and jewelry and furnishings and home décor, we've come a long way. My mom, Nancy Fath, is the visionary; I'm the one who brings things to life. Working alongside her through every high and low, we've turned C+T into a place where the community finds unique pieces that make their lives a little brighter. And with Studio CT, our design showroom down the street, we've created more opportunities to bring beauty into our clients' lives.
From the beginning, my mom and I have been partners in this journey. In 2008, she opened the store in the middle of the recession, when real estate was crashing, and I jumped in with her from the start. She looked at me and said, “You're going to work,” and I just laughed and agreed, ready to dive in. In no time, the store became my baby, and working with my mom has been the greatest gift. She's my best friend, my partner, and truly my soulmate. She's taught me resilience, creativity, and how to let go of perfection. Life's too short not to enjoy the little things, she says, and C+T has become an extension of both of us – our passions, our personalities, and our dedication to helping others live beautiful lives.
And our customers aren't just people passing through – they're friends. Every year on Small Business Saturday®, we see familiar faces, clients who have been with us from the very beginning. Community is at the heart of everything we do.
Creating a Space Rooted in Community
We're located in a historic market square with lots of women-owned small businesses. You can come here, shop, drink wine, have lunch – it's an experience. Every business here has something unique to offer, and we all support each other in creating this destination. It makes for a beautiful shopping day.
People will come in just to say hi, even if they don't need anything, and I wouldn't have it any other way. We're not just here to sell things; we're here to create a space where people feel happy and at home, like they belong. We're doing this together with our neighbors and clients.
Buying for the store is a labor of love for both my mom and me. Every item here has a story, a purpose. If one of us doesn't love it, it doesn't make the cut. The whole store is a “love-love,” we like to say. Every piece, from custom furniture to handpicked décor, is chosen to bring joy to someone's home. Our whole team, from Jessica, our manager, to Alec, my fiancé and project manager, treats this business like it's their own. We're small but mighty, and everyone cares deeply.
Small Business Saturday: Celebrating Loyalty and Connection
Small Business Saturday is an important tradition for us. We jumped on it the very first year that American Express launched it, and we've celebrated every year since. We're showing up for the people who've shown up for us, year after year. The day is all about stepping back, highlighting our community, celebrating the relationships we've built, and showing our support for other businesses.
Running a small business isn't for the faint of heart, but it's worth every moment.
We aim to create a vibe that feels like a big family reunion. We never do discounts, because we believe in fair pricing all year – but Small Business Saturday is a moment! So for one day, we make an exception, offering a 15% discount. We set up snacks and invite local artists to meet clients. Customers bring friends, and I'm in the store from before opening to way after closing. It's like a holiday – a big hangout day with friends. Pure joy!
Expanding With a Space to Showcase Our Design Work
As our business grew, so did the need for a space dedicated to our design projects. That's how Studio CT, our showroom just six doors down from C+T, came to be. Studio CT is where we showcase our custom furniture and full-service design capabilities. We've moved into a new league with Studio CT, and it's been incredible to see how this space has attracted clients who want a more tailored approach to the entire design process.
The vibe of Studio CT is different from the retail store. While C+T is eclectic and full of warm energy, the Studio has an elevated, polished feel. The space just speaks for itself. It says, “We mean business.” It's not just an extension of C+T; it's a place that shows clients the full range of our work and vision. Adding Studio CT has given us a new level of respect in the industry. Now, people don't just see us as the cute girls with the shop – they see us as serious players in the design world. I love seeing clients' reactions when they realize to what extent we can transform a space.
Living Big in Any Space: Our Design Philosophy
Design is about creating experiences, not just filling a room. Our goal is always to help clients live big, no matter the size of their home, A 1,500-square-foot space can have as much heart and soul as a 20,000-square-foot mansion. At any size, you have the capability to create exactly what you want. Every person deserves a home that feels like a reflection of who they are, filled with intention, quality, and pieces that bring them joy. That's why we offer personalized décor and full-service interior design. Every small thing matters.
Working with my mom has taught me the importance of these details. Whether it's a beautifully crafted chair, an elegant wine glass in place of a plastic cup, or a cozy textured throw blanket, each piece should tell a story. Watching her approach design with so much passion taught me that it's those small touches that transform a house into a home. I love seeing clients begin to understand and really embrace this mindset. People want to live an elevated lifestyle, but they often don't know where to start. At C+T, we're here to help them discover and express that, and with Studio CT, we're able to expand that vision even further.
Our latest venture, CT Mountain House, is a dream come true. It's a shoppable short-term rental in Lake Arrowhead, just two hours from Los Angeles. We transformed this little mountain cabin from top to bottom, filling it with curated items available through C+T and Studio CT. Guests can buy anything in the house, down to the wine glasses and ceramic mugs. Designed with our aesthetic and products in mind, it's a true reflection of our brand, brought to life in a new way. We can't wait to open its doors in January.
Fifteen Years of Love, Work, and Community
Fifteen years in, I still feel lucky every day to work with my mom, turning our shared vision into something beautiful. We've built C+T and Studio CT on love, hard work, and a commitment to our community, and I wouldn't be who I am without this journey. My advice to anyone just starting is simple: Be patient, be consistent, and don't give up. Running a small business isn't for the faint of heart, but it's worth every moment.
Want to learn more about how to encourage your customers to Shop Small on Small Business Saturday? Visit the Small Business Saturday Resource Hub for marketing materials and business insights that can help you engage with your customers and find new ones. You can also read stories from other small businesses that have seen success with Small Business Saturday and beyond.
As told to Cara Cannella, American Express Business Class freelance contributor
Photos: Josh Dalsimer
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