Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Olive.
Hi daphne, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Tabletop began as an idea when three friends – two who had a jewelry design business and one who was an artist with retail experience – decided that it would be really fun to open a store together. It took some time to find the right place, but we settled on Dupont Circle, in Washington DC, because it was one of our favorite neighborhoods for food and drink, but had nothing like the shop we imagined we would want to build. So we built it, and for many years, we loved being at the center of a vibrant neighborhood where we could be part of a community. There is great joy in being a part of peoples lives: helping them find the perfect pillow for their sofa, helping them register for their wedding, then for baby gifts, then seeing them every December as their children grew up and picked out their yearly ornaments for their trees.
10 years ago, Tabletop migrated to Takoma Park, Maryland, where we were able to build and develop the same kind of relationships in a new community. We are still three friends who love what we do.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We have had a mostly smooth road, balancing our business lives with our families and remaining friends with each other throughout. Our biggest struggle was the Covid shutdowns and trying to support our employees and keep the business afloat.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Tabletop is a locally owned design and gift shop in Takoma Park, Maryland. We offer items for ones life that bring joy – from the smallest dish for your dresser, to the earrings to put in that dish, from the hot cocoa you can drink from the unique handmade cup to the set of bowls you know your best friend will be thrilled to receive as a wedding or housewarming gift.
We are most proud of our customer service. We love being the destination for the last minute gift that you can walk out of our shop carrying directly to your loved one’s event at one of the many wonderful restaurants nearby.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do what you love. If you are going to work the long hours to build a business, make it be in the name of something that also brings you joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tabletopdc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetabletopdc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TabletopTakoma
