Hidden Gems: Meet Lindsay Dilworth of Altwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsay Dilworth.

Lindsay, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
ALTWOOD was founded and opened in 2016 in North Carolina. It’s gone through multiple iterations (a supper club, a café, a salon) and various locations, but with time and experience, the process and ethos and has been distilled down to the simplicity of celebrating people and their art. After the upheaval of 2020, we simplified, packed it all up, and now inhabit a new home in Venice. The goal has always been to create an environment that inspires people to bring a bit more thought and ritual into the everyday. With a firm belief in the power of buying goods directly from the people actually that make them, we’re honored to hold down a space that can act as a bit of a stage for artisan-made, eco-friendly work that has a hugely positive impact on the community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’d be the first to admit that I’ve made all the mistakes, but nothing good comes easy, right? What I’ve realized though, is that the most celebrated and well-received moments are always the ones we’ve been most excited and inspired by. People can feel the enthusiasm when new work arrives at the shop, and it’s become a very cyclical process that has as much to do with listening to customers’ needs as bringing in items I personally wouldn’t want to live without.

Starting over again in a brand new city with no community – and where there is an abundance of beautifully curated stores – has certainly put me to the test, but at this point, I don’t play the comparison game and have a really strict rule about trusting my gut, so I know it’s all coming together as it should!

We’ve been impressed with ALTWOOD, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
ALTWOOD is a curated lifestyle shop featuring artisan-made work with whom we have a direct relationship. Our offerings are eco-conscious, ethically made, and chosen to inspire a more thoughtful lifestyle. We have been known in the past for always having a fun selection of ceramics and textiles, along with a prized collection of one of a kind items, perfect for those hard-to-buy-for people on all of our lists. What sets ALTWOOD apart is simply that I’m choosing items from a unique perspective of how I’d like my life to feel, and it’s equally important to share the stories of the exceptional humans who entrust us with hosting their work. I’m proud that this concept has only strengthened over the years and has yet to lead us astray.

In this first iteration in Venice, I’m excitedly sharing a core collection of items that we’ve loved for the long haul, along with a few new makers’ work that brings an irreplaceable energy to the space. But this is just the beginning. We’re currently building connections with local makers, looking forward to hosting art openings and events and listening to what the community has a need for. I’m very excited to witness this new evolution!

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Packing up the store and moving it from the east coast to the west coast is by far the biggest risk I’ve ever taken in my life. It’s been an interesting process! Challenging to say the least, but so exciting too. I’ve been reminding myself that life is short and that you really do have to play to win. I trust the process and have been repeatedly encouraged and bolstered by the Venice community, and I’m so thrilled that I have so many more people to meet. I believe wholeheartedly that if you feel excited by something, by taking the leap, the growth will far outweigh anything you could possibly avoid by keeping yourself comfortable!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.altwoodco.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/shopaltwood
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ALTWOOD