February 13, 2017

Meet Susan Lieberman of jAdis in Santa Monica

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Lieberman.

Susan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My late partner, Parke Meek, and I opened jAdis in July 1976.
At that time, it was an antique store (and an excuse to house our growing collections).

During the 1980’s we developed a line of replica Art Deco furniture.
(My late partner had spent several decades working for the famed studio of Charles and Ray Eames, best known for their iconic lounge chair currently housed at MOMA
as well as their educational films currently stored at the Library of Congress.)

Despite the success of our furniture and lighting, Parke became interested in building props for the film industry, and everything was packed up to make way for his creations of Sci-Fi props.

The props appeared in such films as “The Prestige”, “X-Files”, “Batman and Robin”, “Waterworld”, “The Artist” among others.

Currently, jAdis functions as a part museum, part prop house, and part retail store.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Yes, it has been a smooth road.
When one is doing something one likes, it does not seem like work.

jAdis – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We are known as a pre-computer era repository of vintage machines and scientific equipment. A “cabinet of curiosities” containing technologies that are now obsolete.

The film props serve as background for the collections and the whole environment
instills a sense of fun and amazement to every visitor.

Our focus is towards the scientific both for young and old.

We are most proud of the joy it brings to passersby and visitors. We believe we are unique – at least that’s what our visitors tell us!

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
After 40 years of retail, I would have to say that meeting people, hearing their stories,
learning new things has been very gratifying.

I would define success as having fun at what one is doing.

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