Lidy Baars - French Garden House

Here at Women Take Wing! we celebrate each and every member's successes. They all bring a special energy and perspective to our community. Several times each month we publish a Member Feature, so that the rest of the world can share in the richness of our community.

As a little girl growing up in Europe, Lidy Baars developed a love for antiques with patina and charm, at the home of her grandparents. Her passion for antique and vintage treasures led to a career selling antiques. In 2007, she opened French Garden House, a virtual shop specializing in Romantic Decor with a French flair, with antique, vintage as well as new finds. She loves to find beautiful objects that give a home that lived-in look that's still relaxed and casual, so that it is a warm and welcoming haven for family and friends.

While opening French Garden House is the fulfillment of a dream that started at such a young age, it is the people she meets along the way that are the real treasures for Lidy. When not working in her California home office, packaging orders in her little "garden house", sharing her experiences on her wildly popular blog or traveling far and near to flea markets and antique fairs to gather new heartwarming finds, you can find her creating. We asked Lidy to share some of her journey to being a woman entrepreneur.

Q. What gave you the courage to take the leap into your own business?

A. It really just sort of grew. I have always had a little business since I was young. I have always been so in love with making things, that my first few businesses involved designing one of a kind home accessories, decorations, floral designs etc. for design shops. Growing up in the stately home with my grandparents in Europe gave me a love for antiques at an early age. I love the hunt of treasures, and can spot a find from quite a distance away!

Q. Name one person who has inspired you, and how?

A. My Grandmother. She raised six children in war-torn Europe, and was a strong, determined lady! She always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted, to try new things, and to do something that mattered every day.

Q. What is the most rewarding part of your business?

A. Most people think the answer to this would be finding the beautiful things I sell. They are of a quality that is not too often found anymore, they are so beautiful, and they whisper stories of their (our) past. But the most rewarding part of my business is really the customers that I am blessed with. They are what matters. The friendships that I have with them, the stories they share. That's the most rewarding part of my business, helping people remember or create new memories with loved ones through the antiques I sell.

Q. What is the most 'bothersome' part of your business? How do you get through it?

A. That would have to be the accounting part. I am much more the creative person, not the number cruncher. It's not my favorite part of my business, but I will admit that it's not as hard as it used to be. Sometimes I think the fear of it is much worse than the reality.

Q. If you could start another business, what would it be?

A. Ahhh, I've already had so many businesses. I think they would be mainly artsy businesses. I would love to paint. I recently had the honor of attending a birthday party for a fabulous woman who just celebrated her 101st birthday. This inspiring, creative woman began painting in her late 50’s and still teaches art and painting today. She assured me “you have plenty of time to do anything you want.”

We have no doubt Lidy will continue creating, seeking and sharing beauty with her family, friends and customers for years to come! Please visit Lidy’s treasure filled shop, French Garden House, or her inviting blog, Little French Garden House. Both are a visual delight!