Daily Inspiration: Meet Dan & CJ Zondervan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dan & CJ Zondervan

Hi Dan & CJ, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Dans background as a contractor is in residential Historic Restoration, coupled with a degree in history. Antiques became a big part of our business early on. CJ’s background is in Interior Design, which led her to a love of historic furniture and decorative arts. For many years, as a second business we bought and sold antiques. It dovetailed nicely with our careers. Ten years ago we decided to move to northern Michigan, where CJ has roots, to open our own Antique and lifestyle businesses. True North Interior Design & Antiques, in Charlevoix. Charlevoix is a picturesque charming coastal small town with lots of victorian summer cottage history along with Native American history. Lots of boating, beautiful beaches, excellent dining and destination weddings.
Our store includes antiques, vintage finds, furniture, bedding, lighting, local art, home decor, handmade jewelry, hand made fashion, boho fashion, folk art by Dan Zondervan and lots more.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been a fascinating road! Following trends in style is both a challenge and a delight that keeps us on our toes! The hunt for product is always fun! One thing that has been really great is meeting people who come to us with antiques to sell. It’s common that historic summer cottages sell furnished. We have had the opportunity to purchase many amazing pieces this way. We love that it allows us to have new fresh ( even if they are old!) items in the store all of the time.
We enjoy creating for and celebrating the season changes in the store. It’s one of our favorite things!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Dan Zondervan is a creative wood worker. Dans hand made products for the store that are some of the things that sets us apart from other antique stores. Dan likes to work with old reclaimed wood and other interesting old materials. He has built many harvest tables , benches, cabinets, occasional tables and modified old pieces to have a new use. Dan makes flags & signs from reclaimed wood, foraged willow and birch bark. Stars and hearts from reclaimed wood , old house molding and other salvaged pieces. His most recent success is making and carving Owls, Geese, Fish, Roosters, Sheep and Birds.
CJ has a passion for vintage fabrics and creates lush down filled pillows for the store and as well as some of the jewelry, often incorporating vintage textiles.

How do you think about luck?
We are lucky to have great neighboring businesses in our community and an active downtown. We are close to the boat basin, the beach, great food choices and most recently an awesome coffee truck!

Pricing:

• We try to have a broad spectrum of items that range from low to ….. 😉

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Truenorthinteriordesignan
• Facebook: True North Interior Design and Antiques