Content and photos by Jennifer Furber published on May 18, 2017
Located between a bar and a bookstore, across from a grocery store, is Deer Hazel. This popular island boutique sells essentially everything you would ever need for an in-style island life. Deer Hazel is a bohemian clothing and lifestyle shop that sells women’s clothing, men’s apparel, accessories, shoes, intimates, gift, and handcrafted jewelry.
Deer Hazel’s History
Owners Kerry Andrews and Jeanne McFarland first met eight years ago while working at Roche Harbor Resort’s iconic McMillian Restaurant. The photo to the right it from their Facebook Page. After waitressing, they’d often get together to craft. On May 5, 2015 they began making and selling jewelry after months of stockpiling a supply. Deer Hazel’s namesake comes from one of those late night crafting sessions with an awareness that they both have hazel eyes. They wanted a name that gave a sense of place to San Juan Island. With so many deer on the island, especially on the roadsides on all the late night drives home from work, a deer seemed to be the perfect logo inspiration.
In October of 2015, the two ladies acquired the retail boutique business Daisy Bloom. The day after the sale went through, a flood destroyed the floor and prompted an interior renovation. New floors, new paint and new fixtures gave a new style to the boutique. Deer Hazel instantly incorporated a working jewelry studio into the established retail shop. Slowly, they brought in new fashion lines. And eventually, they added some men’s apparel and a larger assortment of footwear and gifts to their inventory.
What Make it Even More Unique?
Deer Hazel is one of my favorite shops on the island. The clothes are soft and incredibly comfortable. Many are designed in LA or locally along the west coast. Each rack displays current, on-trend fashions that are certain to become a favorite new staple in your wardrobe. From island-designed intimates to fine, made in America denim, the items to fall in love with are both endless and well crafted.
They are always thinking ahead for growth, with eyes on expansion and establishing a more solid online presence with a forthcoming new website. This business allows both women to spend more time with their young families and give back to the community.
More Jewelry!
Kerry and Jeanne have really made a name for themselves in the world of handmade jewelry. They work primarily in metals, stamped and pounded into interesting shapes. They adorn their designs with stones, gems and/or crystals. Roughly 35% of their designs are custom and, depending on the piece, personalization can occur on the same day as your island visit. They also frequently mail order jewelry all over North America. Deer Hazel often stamps the coordinates of favorite geographic locations, names of children, or a message of inspiration into the underside of a bracelet.
Deer Hazel is located at 165 Spring Street in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island and open Monday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram as @deer_hazel.
Shop to Your Heart’s Content
Spending a few nights at the Harrison House Suites? You will most certainly have to spend an afternoon perusing the shops along Spring Street. Just a 5 minute walk from us, they will sure to delight you. There really is something for everyone! And of course, you’ll have to stop in and visit Kerry and Jeanne at Deer Hazel.
