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FORTY FORT — Jamie Flack used to do refurbishing projects as a way to wind down while in law school.

After having a “life’s too short” epiphany, Flack decided she would follow her passion and moved back to the area to open Rustique, a home decor and gift shop.

Flack originally opened the shop in 2014 in the United Penn Plaza in Kingston, offering home decor, gifts and refurbished pieces bought at auctions and antique sales.

The name Rustique is an homage to Flack’s late father, Rusty.

As her store grew and demand rose, Flack said she outgrew the original space and moved to the 900 Rutter complex on Nov. 1.

Flack said the shop at 900 Rutter gave her an opportunity to expand and explore more inventory.

“It’s versatile,” she said.

Being in 900 Rutter also brings a new sense of creativity, Flack said.

“The creativity and the vibe here is awesome,” she said.

She said the owners of 900 Rutter have been nothing but supportive in her move, and encourage creativity throughout all the tenants of the building.

“(They) really want the best for you and wants to see everyone succeed,” she said.

Flack is now able to have specific areas of the store designated to their different offerings. They have a selection of Annie Sloan paint, where customers can come and browse paint colors, which are displayed on the wall, and pick up some paint for their own DIY projects. Alternatively, if a customer sees an unfinished piece from an auction and wants Flack and her team to refurbish it, they can do that as well.

“It’s nice because the older stuff is really well made. It’s just dated,” Flack said.

Since she goes to events such as estate sales, she is able to get quality-made pieces and sell them at an affordable price.

“You can get a really nice piece for a reasonable price,” Flack said. “We like to incorporate the old with the new.”

A section of Rustique displays Annie Sloan paints, which customers can buy for their own projects, or pair with a piece in-store to refurbish.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Rustique1.jpg.optimal.jpgA section of Rustique displays Annie Sloan paints, which customers can buy for their own projects, or pair with a piece in-store to refurbish.

Jamie Flack fixes a mirror display inside Rustique at the 900 Rutter complex.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/web1_Rustique2.jpg.optimal.jpgJamie Flack fixes a mirror display inside Rustique at the 900 Rutter complex.

By Brigid Edmunds

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Reach Brigid Edmunds at 570-991-6113 or on Twitter @brigidedmunds