The Shiny Black Door

Augusten: I grew up in Northampton in a famously dysfunctional family situation, which led to the writing of my first memoir, Running with Scissors. One of the things that I did to stay sane during those turbulent years was to come to Thornes and admire the windows, which were expansive and featured beautifully elaborate scenes created by the window designer at the time. I recall a windowscape with live moss, stones, bluets, and eggs—the level of precision and artistry mesmerized me. There was such an inventive, creative approach that captured my imagination and instilled an aesthetic that has been with me ever since. People know me primarily as an author, but what they may not know is that I’ve also been an interior designer. That element of “Thornes-ness” was part of my early visual education; it sparked a fascination with design in general, but in particular, interior design and retail display.

Shari and I met years ago when my husband Christopher and I were looking for a house in Connecticut. I was looking online at Zillow and stumbled upon one that felt ideal. My husband was less enthusiastic about it, but we decided to go see it. When we arrived, Shari, one of CT’s leading realtors, was there to greet us. I didn’t feel we even needed a Realtor—I was already sold on the house. She proceeded to take us on a thorough tour, showing us all of the details that made the house special. Her approach was meticulous and her knowledge impressive. Then she showed me a photo of her daughter and me at a Savannah College of Book Design event, and immediately there was a connection. From the unique details of the house that we both appreciated to our easy rapport, it felt as though we were long-lost siblings who had finally found each other. We’ve been close friends ever since, and now business partners.

We both love to collect things, from art to jewelry to antiques, so making The Shiny Black Door a reality has been a natural culmination of our shared passions. Once we discussed opening a store, I immediately thought, “I really wish there was a space open in Thornes.” We checked online, and this space popped up. We’d already had the name The Shiny Black Door in mind for years, so when we saw the black exterior paint, it felt right. From there, everything just kept tumbling into place.

Shari: Though we just opened recently, I already appreciate the sense of community and welcoming energy of the building. I am enjoying getting to know the other business owners and members of the management team, and am excited to connect with shoppers and the rest of downtown. As a person who is not from the area, I immediately felt a strong connection to both Thornes and Northampton, and I am looking forward to strengthening that over time.

While I’ve loved my various careers over time, from introducing personal-trainer-based gyms to Connecticut in the 1990s to my ongoing adventures as a real estate broker, I am also thrilled to expand my horizons and take on this new brick and mortar store with my dear friends. Augusten can articulate the items we have so beautifully to anyone. People will be fascinated by his descriptions and stories.

Augusten: It feels like home to us in many ways. The people are wonderful, and it’s just an all around great environment. One thing I have found amusing is that the daily soundtracks my husband Christopher—who is a musicologist—has been creating for the store have enticed people to stand outside in the hallway and listen. Even teenage girls who visit the photo booth across from us have been singing while taking pictures. Shari is already fitting right in here at Thornes—she is quickly forming relationships with people and getting to know downtown.

Shari: I love how kind people are in Thornes, and in town in general. I recently lost my phone and when I asked management if anyone had found it, they had it waiting for me in the office. There is a real sense of caring and looking out for one another, which you don’t find everywhere.

We are eager to get to know the other business owners in the building better and continue to become a stronger part of this vibrant community. It truly feels like a “meant to be” situation for us, and we could not be more overjoyed with the space and what we have begun to create within it. We’re excited to connect with shoppers—both local and from out of town—and help them find the perfect items for themselves or loved ones, while also sharing the backstories of whatever they choose.

Augusten: We are excited to share the things we love with people. My favorite emotions are awe and surprise, and that is what I am hoping to elicit from customers. Jewelry is a huge part of the store—I’m obsessed with bringing in new and interesting pieces. We also want to have a range of prices, from $5 items to the higher-end offerings.

• Augusten is a gemologist with particular expertise in jadeite and pearls, sourcing rare and meaningful pieces for the store, and he is currently working with a Ukrainian metalsmith on contemporary works.
• As a real estate broker, Shari once sold a home to a reigning monarch and has a knack for finding properties with fascinating histories.
• Augusten's memoir, Running With Scissors, spent over three years on the New York Times bestseller list, many of them in the #1 spot, and it was made into a movie.
• Shari’s son, Capt. Maxwell Sirkin, invented the SHRAIL™, a lightweight rail system that mounts to a standard NATO litter to transform it into a highly functional operating table or intensive care unit bed.
• When he was a teenager, Augusten had his silhouette painted all along the walls of the top floor of Thornes as part of a theater piece.
• The shop’s name, The Shiny Black Door, had been in their minds for years and fittingly matches the exterior of their space at Thornes.

• Vintage Chanel 1995 doorknocker earrings
• A rare, complete “breeches” Bible
• A Taylor Builder's Edition 912ce Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar
• A bound, typed manuscript for The Underworld by Don DeLillo
• A Chinese 19th-century parasol
• An exquisite array of jade, ruby, and pearl jewelry… and many more dazzling gems!