As she is talking, all I can think about is my lousy timing.
(The story of my lifebut thats another story, for another time.
Or maybe even another life.)

Photo: Lauren Edith Anderson/ Courtesy of Sherri McMullen
A portrait of Sherri by local Oakland artist Taylor Smalls.
I look at the city as this hub of innovation and creativityand as a community of independent thinkers.
McMullen would know, since innovation and creativity is her stock in trade.

A portrait of Sherri by local Oakland artist Taylor Smalls.
Yet theres definitely a global view at work.
And people here are really embracing that.
In other words: In this city, life and style are given equal weight.

Sherri McMullen, center, with her team (from clockwise) Mary Campbell, Judith Echeverria, Marie Nguyen, Camari Brown, and Lisbeth Cervantes.
We see so many ways to express ourselves through what we wear.
A vintage Ethan Allen golden sofa reupholstered in Kravet velvet sits at the center of the store.
Noz is really talented, said McMullen.

A vintage Ethan Allen golden sofa reupholstered in Kravet velvet sits at the center of the store.
She understands the vibrancy of this city because she has worked here for so many years.
We wanted to create this space that felt very inviting but also very sophisticated.
Presiding over all of this is a portrait of McMullen by Oakland artist Taylor Smalls.

A selection of Begum Khan and Dries Van Noten jewelry.
A selection of Begum Khan and Dries Van Noten jewelry.
But kudos to her too for her vote of confidence in the city.
McMullen is cognizant of all that.
Its home to me.