DORSET FINDS Looking for a “new, old look” for your home or office? Dorset Finds, which opened in August 2016, specializes in “vintage industrial” furniture and home décor. “Much of what I sell are artifacts from the Industrial Age,” owner Justin Dorset told Berkeleyside. “These pieces often originated in early 20th-century factories, most of which were scattered along the East Coast and in the Rust Belt. My tables have found their way into celebrity homes, tech-company boardrooms, upscale restaurants and designer boutiques.” Dorset Finds carries one of the best selections of Uhl Toledo chairs and stools on the West Coast, according to Dorset, as well as lights that tell a story — in particular, 1920s–1940s task lamps with articulating arms. There’s also a multitude of unusual finds of solid design. “Our restoration work is hand-done in order to preserve the soul and integrity that naturally comes with a utilitarian item that’s been used for decades,” Dorset said. Opening his first shop in Brooklyn in 2010, Dorset and his wife moved to Berkeley to be closer to family and to get a new start, bringing all their inventory with them. The Dorset Finds showroom is usually appointment only, but it will be opening its doors to the public for ‘open-studio’ visits every Saturday in December from 12–5 p.m. in the lead-up to Christmas. Dorset Finds, 1201-D Tenth St., Berkeley 94701, Tel: 646-460 2810. Open by appointment only, with special holiday hours. Connect with Dorset Finds on Facebook and Instagram.
ROYAL ROBBINS REWEAR PROGRAM Wondering what to do with clothing you no longer wear? The Royal Robbins Factory Store, located at 841 Gilman St. can help. The Berkeley location is just one of the latest Royal Robbins stores to implement its “Rewear Program” aimed at reducing the waste associated with the startling amount of clothes that end up in landfills. In partnership with I:CO, an innovator and solutions provider in clothing and shoe recycling, used materials brought to the store will be reprocessed into new clothing and other fiber products. “The Royal Rewear Program is a really easy way to recycle your old clothing,” Stephen Sherrill, director of marketing, told Berkeleyside. “We believe in sustainability through durability – buy less, wear more and recycle everything.” In keeping with an eco-minded company, founders Liz and Royal Robbins have a deep commitment to the preservation of Yosemite, and all proceeds from the Royal Rewear Program will benefit the non-profit Yosemite Conservancy. To top it off, when you bring your recyclable clothing to the store you’ll receive a 25% off voucher towards your next purchase. Royal Robbins, 841 Gilman St., Berkeley 94710. Tel: 510-527 1961. Contact Berkeley store manager Tina Jayan for more details or connect with Royal Robbins on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
REVIVAL BARBER + BEAUTY Opened in early September 2016 in what used to be Ratha’s Charm House, Revival Barber + Beauty offers barber services in a visually interesting space, run by husband and wife team Maddix and Dani Bruyn, former stylists at Remedy in Emeryville. They said they set up shop in the Lorin District because they love the neighborhood and its mix of residential, commercial and nonprofits in a thriving but understated vibe. Dani, who was part-owner of Remedy, has been styling hair for 18 years, while Maddix has specialized in all-gender, traditional barbering techniques for the past six years. They currently have a small staff with varied specialties in cut and color and are hiring additional stylists. Regarding the previous business in the space, Dani says, “We will be keeping the Ratha’s Charm House sign. Ratha had the salon there for over 50 years and served the community well during that time. She was also one of the first African-American women to open a salon in the area in the 1950s and that is something to not only remember but also to honor.” Revival Barber + Beauty, 3312 Adeline Ave. (at Alcatraz), Berkeley 94703, Tel: 510-338 6522. Open Mon.-Sat. 9-6 p.m. Connect with them on Facebook or Instagram.
MILAGRO MASSAGE STUDIO Berkeleyside received several emails expressing concern about the sudden closing on Sept. 12 of Milagro Massage Studio, located at 2140 Shattuck Ave. in the Wells Fargo building. According to Yelp reviews, numerous customers reported purchasing massage packages or gift certificates only to discover the studio had abruptly closed its doors without notice before they had a chance to use them. The company’s website is down and they no longer have a Facebook presence. However responses to customers on Yelp may offer some insight. A message from owner Koryn Johnson stated: “The business is in process of being sold to a new owner. Once that process is complete, Milagro will be back up and running and your gift certificates will be honored. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience as we work out the details, and look forward to seeing you back at Milagro very soon. You will be notified as soon as the doors re-open.”
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details at editors@berkeleyside.com. Read previous Shop Talk columns, and check out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.
