Submitted by Harts & Pearls
Desiree Burgess, a 2001 Aberdeen High School graduate, will be in Aberdeen on Saturday, Feb. 22, to release the spring collection from her two-year-old business, Harts & Pearls.
“I’ve held previous product releases in other places, but when the opportunity came up to hold one in Aberdeen, I jumped at the chance,” Burgess said. “After all, it’s my home.”
Burgess, daughter of longtime local business owner Ralph Burgess and sister of Jacknut Apparel owner Christian Burgess, founded Harts & Pearls in 2012, almost immediately following the birth of her daughter, Hartley.
“I was on my way home from the hospital and asked my mother, who was driving me home, to stop by the fabric store,” Burgess said. “I can’t really explain it. I was just inspired to create something right at that moment.”
Although it may seem like it did, that creative spirit didn’t just come out of the blue.
Burgess previously had studied at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and had a business degree from San Diego Christian College. Creating a business that melded the two scholarly experiences was a perfect fit. She ended up doing just that.
Today, the single mother runs Harts & Pearls out of her home in University Place. Business is booming, having grown 700 percent in the past six months alone.
Saturday, Burgess will be in downtown Aberdeen from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at CaKecaKes Gourmet Treats. The release event is coinciding with the Downtown Wedding Showcase. Other businesses on hand will include GH Wine Sellars, Julie Rajich Photography, Flowers by Pollen, Harbor Shoes and more. Burgess and her products will be at CaKecaKes, located at 107 E. Wishkah St. There will be hourly giveaways, treats designed by CaKecaKes and beverages available.
Harts & Pearls — best described as a fashion company that handcrafts accessories (even garters!) for all ages — will be featuring several products for display and purchase. Those include:
- Women’s Reversible Jersey Knit infinity scarves in Spring 2014 prints ($32)
- Women’s Reversible cotton wire headbands in Spring colors and prints ($20)
- Women’s H&P Knit Infinity Scarf in new spring colors ($32)
- Women’s Beaded Luxe Head-wraps ($36-$40)
- Women’s Aberdeen & Hoquiam inspired Hawks & Pearls Head-Wraps ($16)
- Women’s Knit Slouch hats ($28)
All products can be custom-made in infant through adult sizes.
“I’m excited to showcase my new line first to those I love most and know best,” Burgess said. “That being my friends and family on the Harbor.”
For more information on Harts & Pearls, click here.