Garage Door Studio connects artists with community
Garage Door Studio owners Rachel Herzog and Jen Singh
Story by Isadora Pennington
Photos by Ben Rollins
Known for their extensive selection of original and handmade gifts, art, and goods, Garage Door Studio just celebrated their ten year anniversary in Avondale Estates.
Founded in 2014 by painter Jen Singh and jewelry artist Rachel Herzog, the shop has since become a beloved cornerstone of the business district occupying one of the most visible storefronts in the city.
It all began with a group of local creatives socializing together. Around seven artists who were active in the craft show circuit would gather together and enjoy wine and chat with one another.
Eventually this evolved into a group of around 15 creatives who would bring their goods and sell them at tables set up throughout their homes, starting out at Heather Pyles’ house before migrating to Singh’s house.
Over time, the evolution of this event grew in popularity, one year bringing a whopping 150+ people to the gathering. “It was actually a little overwhelming,” recalled Singh, “but it created this following where we were sort of like, you know what? It would be really cool to have a brick-and-mortar that represents this.”
Initially the duo considered a pop-up or temporary arrangement in an existing space in the city, but a conversation with former Mayor of Avondale Estates Ed Rieker led them to an even better idea: convert the building that now holds P’s in the Pod. He wanted it to become a kind of Krog Street Market-esque concept with local makers and a storefront for Singh and Herzog.
When Singh and Herzog first walked into the 1,100-square-foot space in 2014, they were inspired to start a summer camp as a means of generating revenue in order to build out the space.
“All of our kids were in elementary school, and young, under the age of 12,” Singh explained. The camp program was successful and helped to sustain the business development and work that needed to happen behind the scenes in order to open their shop.
Years later, in 2017, the storefront at the corner of N. Avondale Road and N. Clarendon Road became available. And Singh and Herzog were ready to make the move.
Garage Door Studio’s current location at 128 N. Avondale Rd. was an office space when Singh and Herzog were getting things off the ground in 2014. It was fully carpeted, with desks and cubicles lined up against the windows. Singh and Herzog laughed when they demonstrated just how many outlets there were spread throughout the space, describing the vibe as rather stale and uninspiring.
The front door of Garage Door Studio
Before it was an office, the space hosted several businesses that once anchored the Tudor Village, including a mystic shop and a frame shop, with some periods of vacancy in between concepts. Perhaps most interesting is the space’s origin dating back to the 1940s when it served as a soda fountain.
“Apparently the horse and buggy would pull up to the side door to unload. That was the back room of the general store,” said Singh, gesturing at the glass door that opens to N. Clarendon Avenue.
When Fisher Paty, co-founder and Managing Partner of Oakhurst Realty Partners, approached Singh and Herzog about the idea of taking over the prime corner storefront in the Tudor Village, it was a perfect fit. Not only do Singh and Herzog describe him as an “amazing” landlord who has been supportive of their concept from the jump, but he also managed the initial build out to convert the space to be suitable for the shop.
“We have had a lot of community effort in contributing to what this is,” said Singh. “We have a really good landlord, and good community support from our families, the community, and the artists.”
In their location, anchoring the frontmost corner of Avondale Estates’ Tudor Village, Herzog and Singh feel a sense of responsibility to not only line their shelves with handmade goods, but also keep their windows decorated according to the season.
“We take responsibility for keeping these windows visually appealing because it is so visible,” said Singh. “I’d like to add that you and I have both found solace in this space through the pandemic, and also using our voice on the windows,” added Herzog.
Singh told me that even throughout the pandemic, the community rallied around Garage Door Studio and kept them in business through generous acts including the purchases of hundreds of dollars worth of gift cards that were never redeemed. “I felt an outpouring of support and generosity,” Singh continued.
These days, Garage Door Studio sells the goods made by around 70 artists at a given time. They offer four or more workshops a month, and recently celebrated their 10 year anniversary with a series of events in October.
Herzog explained that they have carefully curated their participating artists and artisans over the years, ensuring that there is a type of synergy between the business and the maker.
The storefront offers a plethora of amazing goods that make wonderful gifts for the holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for someone who loves jewelry, handmade pottery, original artwork, or even crystals, there is something for everyone at Garage Door Studio.
Garage Door Studio is located at 128 N. Avondale Rd. and is open seven days a week. For more information, go to their website.
This story is from the Winter 2024 Edition of The Verge Zine.