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Hometown Living At Its Best 105
was right. “I loved it. I could
do anything I wanted with my
booth. I could fix it up, and when
I wanted, tear it all down and do
something different with it. It
was so much fun.” She especially
enjoyed giving something old,
worn out or outdated a new
beginning. Like her mother,
Brenda had that special power
to resurrect something old with
new life. “I’ve always loved
the before and after feeling of
something recycled, especially
something that would have
otherwise been thrown away or
sent to a landfill.”
As Brenda and Susan’s two
different paths converged at the
antique store, a mutual respect
and friendship formed. With
Brenda’s ability to visualize new
arrangements and ideals and
Susan’s skill that could turn
those visions into reality, the two
made a great team. In 2018, their
creative collaboration became
The French Flea. Ironically, it
was Brenda who said, “Let’s do
a French theme.” She smiled,
adding, “You know, French is
trending.”
As Susan searched for the
right combination of words
that would reflect the nature of
their new venture, she stumbled
across the name of a place in
Paris called The French Flea.
According to Wikipedia, “A flea
market (or swap meet) is a type
of bazaar that rents or provides
space to people who want to
sell or barter merchandise.”
And wasn’t that what this was,
after all? A “Flea Market” of
sorts where people could come
sell their goods from booths?
Although stories conflict about the
etymology of the phrase, the two that
stand out both reference a place in
Paris, France, for the source of “Marche
aux Puces,” meaning “Flea Market.” Of
course, to add to the irony, the city of
Lyons was named for Lyon, France, and
means “City of Lights.”
The French Flea opened its
door on February 17, 2018, on U.S.
Highway 1. Unlike many stores of its
kind, there is a fluidity throughout the
large space that somehow connects
the many booths while keeping each
one’s individual expression. After the
store opened, Susan returned to her
artwork with new inspiration. Instead
of sketching dogs and other animals,
she put up an easel in the store and
began to paint. When you see her
artwork throughout the store, it’s hard
to believe that she has only recently
added acrylic and oil painting to her
many artistic achievements. But then
again, her name is de Gonzague, and
this is the City of Lights, after all.
Even with so much to see and enjoy
(and buy!), The French Flea defies the
cluttered image of “flea markets” and
“antique stores.” From the beautiful
counter in the front envisioned by
Brenda and built by Susan from two to
three-inch heart pine boards to the soft
gray walls and various booths filled with
old treasures resurrected for a second
(or third) new life, the store is bringing
new light and life to the city of Lyons.
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