Natalie Walston’s Plaza Style Designed to Inspire
Natalie Walston of Plaza and Bell & Hook. Photos by Holly Harvey
Natalie Walston first came to Arcata to attend, then work for, what is now Cal Poly Humboldt. She was instantly hooked on Humboldt. She stayed on, working for the university and settling into a happy life raising her family. Happy lives come with great friends who will dream with you over a glass of sauvignon blanc.
In 2012 when Natalie’s friend mentioned that the venerable Plaza Design was going to close, they both thought, “What if?” They both felt that Plaza Design was a Humboldt institution that needed to be saved. With her friend spearheading the acquisition, Natalie became operations manager of the rechristened Plaza, building upon its original mission of interior design. “I left a 12-year university career to work in retail again for the first time since I was 16,” she says. Walston’s two children grew up working at Plaza — the oldest now uses those skills in her current position and the youngest has just moved on from packing boxes to hitting the books.
Walston in Plaza’s “brother” store Bell & Hook.
After buying out her friend, Walston hit her stride by creating a retail web of community support. Locally made hot sauces and culinary delights are presented with smart tableware. Have you tried that scrumptious pepper jam yet? Regional cookbooks are at hand for the gastronomic explorer who wants to make sure their guests — be they vegan, gluten free or carnivores — are happy, too. You can find a new family treasure in an offset bread knife or rolling pin crafted by a local woodcrafter. Walston features Humboldt artists to give your home the cultural splash it needs while supporting your own arts community. Pick out a lovely card to go with the necklace designed and created by a talented artisan.
The holistic gift and home store knows how to serve the Humboldtian lifestyle. Walston keeps the north coast up on handbags in vogue, yet she remains true to the original Plaza Design mission and her own Pacific Northwest aesthetic. Walston says she must be selective of ready to buy pieces displayed on the floor, but also gives customers the flexibility to customize fabrics. She offers custom furniture that goes beyond the garden variety sofa that might survive your family for two years (with luck). “Our customers are forest and beach adjacent with dogs and kids that use their furniture. They do not need over the top fancy. That is not how Humboldt rolls.”
When Walston added gifts for men, it proved so popular she created its own section. She went from displaying colognes and grooming kits to thinking another store just might fill the bill. After an “11-year incubation,” Bell and Hook opened on Arcata’s Plaza. “In the back of my head I ruminated about what a fun category to buy for, to curate a selection of items that make you so glad you have to have this,” she says.
“My Humboldt Life is community-based. I’ve lived here for over 30 years. … Everywhere I go I run into someone I know.”
Walston immersed in Plaza.
They say that you don’t choose Humboldt, Humboldt chooses you. In choosing Natalie Walston, Humboldt shows it’s keeping up the good work. “Arcata is a wonderful place to be a business owner. It’s a community that will help you commiserate or celebrate. Our customers support us as well, placing a high value on shopping locally.” Every year since Plaza opened for business, the store (and now Bell and Hook) has participated in Sale for Survivors, an annual event to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Walston’s community support does not stop there. She donates $5,000-$7,000 in products per year for fundraisers. “It’s tough when you can’t just cough up cash. We want to keep donating every way we can.”
It is obvious Walston loves what she does. “My Humboldt life is community-based. I’ve lived here for over 30 years. Working for HSU, I had a rich life with many friends. It was shocking how my life expanded with the move into retail. I make so many fascinating friends through business. Everywhere I go I run into someone I know. It makes me smile to be an integral part of this community.” Stop in and pick up some wine glasses of your own to dream over. It could change your life or maybe just make it a bit more stylish.
Plaza
808 G St, Arcata
(707) 822-2250
plazaarcata.com
Facebook: @plazaarcata
Instagram: @plazabeinspired
Bell & Hook
863 H St, Arcata
(707) 630-3571
bellandhook.com
A display of bar and glassware at Bell & Hook.