The Pink Elephant Antiques may be a new face to the Mid City scene, but owner Lisa Pellissier has been gearing up for her antiques store for several years. With a variety of styles of furniture and decor ranging from midcentury modern to Asian influences, shoppers can peruse the space and find something new around every turn. We sat down with Pellissier to learn more about the store’s unique collection and history.

1. What is a typical day like for you and your team? Every day is a surprise—some busy, some weird, but every day is fun because we are all crazy about antiques. Mid City is a friendly place. We get a lot of fun and interesting people in the store every day. Each antique has a history; and people love to tell stories and share their knowledge about them, so you can always get a free history lesson, sometimes from the customers themselves. Dealers are always popping in and hauling recent finds into the shop.

2. What is your professional background? How did you get into the retail field? I graduated from LSU with a degree in horticulture (lots of plants in the store!) but also took a lot of accounting courses, which definitely come in handy now. I’ve always loved old stuff, and I started with a small antiques booth once my youngest child was in school. It was a great way to get started on a small scale and learn about the antique business. I did that for six years until I opened my own place.

3. What are the first things customers see when they walk through the doors? A cool space—lots of bright colors, natural light and friendly staff. Also, a huge, old wooden elephant statue from India greets you at the door

4. What sets your store apart? We have a huge variety—25 dealers with different tastes scouring the Earth for good stuff. They bring in new finds daily with a variety to suit every taste.

5. What is one thing you think customers should know about your store that they may not be aware of? Customers way not know that we are a multi-dealer shop and that we are a lot bigger than we appear from the street. And soon to be even bigger—we are doubling our size in February with a new expansion.

6. How do you keep your store’s inventory fresh and up to date? Multiple dealers means a small army of pickers constantly out looking for the best stuff they can find, each with their own taste and style. That gives The Pink Elephant a huge variety of antiques and vintage items to choose from.

7. Can you share a hint about what shoppers will see in your store next season? Midcentury style has become very popular especially in Mid City, but we sell a huge mix of things every day. Quality furniture and lighting are always in demand. Natural materials like coral, antlers, and cowhide sell well, and jewelry, jewelry, jewelry! Vintage is unique by definition.

8. What was your reason for opening the store? When did it open, and how has it grown or changed since then?
I remember when Mid City had tons of antique shops. I wanted to bring that back better than ever. We opened in April 2016. I love to antique shop and wanted a place where other dealers and shoppers like me could create a cool place to find treasures.

9. What are a few must-have items this season? Everyone has different tastes. I think everyone should buy what strikes them, what they love and even items just have to have, regardless of what’s trendy. Trends come and go. Shop based on quality and style, things vintage has in abundance.

10. What are some of your best-selling products? Dressers, jewelry, barware, chandeliers, old books and vintage clothing.