In 1999, Carlette (Charlie) Vernlund and business partners opened Charlie’s Bazaar, a home decor shop in the heart of Downtown Alexandria known for its unique products and marvelous displays. Twenty years later, ownership of the beloved shop transferred to Charlie and her daughter, Clista Bradford, who together endeavored to update the space to encompass the vision of both mother and daughter.
Tragically, in February 2020, a fire demolished Charlie’s Bazaar in addition to many other businesses and historic buildings on the block. (More information on the fire can be found here.) A tragedy of this proportion could have destroyed even the most longstanding business, and with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic following the fire, even the most tenacious business owners might have given up on their dreams.
“As I watched Charlie’s Bazaar engulfed in flames, I knew in my heart that this was not the end and that somehow my mother’s and my passion for bringing unique home decor to the public would rise from the ashes.” -Clista Bradford, co-owner
Despite the unknowns and challenges, Charlie and Clista’s vision endured and BAZARA rose from the ashes to open in May of 2022.
“My mother so graciously gave me her blessing to design the majority of the exterior and interior of the building. I wanted to make sure to pay tribute to our historic downtown with modern elements for the exterior design along with an upscale, serene and open feel for the interior.” -Clista Bradford
BAZARA possesses a conscious ethical mindset with a particular passion for objects celebrated by the beauty of their imperfections. It is more than a shop; it is an experience. Shop in person at BAZARA and explore their beautiful, curated decor and furniture sourced globally at a reasonable price or visit bazaradesigns.com to shop online 24/7.
Leave a Reply