When I moved to Kansas City from California in 2021 I launched a passion project called Shop CAMO Design. The basis of which was to bring a curated selection of small, handmade brands from California to the Midwest. I shuttered that project however when I began working for a Kansas City design company. But once I became independent in 2024, I was able to morph that original concept into Trader Bec's.
Photo (above): A Shop CAMO Design pop up, 2021. And photo (below): A Trader Bec's antique show, 2024.
And I am no stranger to selling my wares...back in 2019 I set up shop at my first-ever antique show in Healdsburg, CA.
These projects were different in approach and concept, but all rooted in the same passion for beautiful things. Prior to these engagements, I would spend most of my free time focused on my work as a creative in galleries and at top interior design firms.
Read more below about my evolution in a interview format.
AN INTERVIEW WITH TRADER BEC
Is Trader Bec's more than a creative pastime?
REBECCA: Yes! Trader Bec's is more than a "hobby." I am on a mission to help people live their lives more beautifully! Launching this project meant highlighting original art, vintage decor, and unique objects that told a story. My goal is to help people discover that they can live more beautiful lives. In short, I like people and am passionate about helping them!
Where did the name originate?
REBECCA: My husband collects tiki so we are familiar with Trader Vic's and that island vibes design aesthetic. Trader Bec's has a similar "gypsy spirit" so the name embodies that freedom. The offering incorporates influences from California, my travels, and the Midwest, given all those influences the style is eclectic.
What did debuting Trader Bec's mean to you?
REBECCA: I loved California for every aesthetic opportunity it gave me, but I could never forget that my roots were in the Midwest. My intention was always to reinvest in my roots. Trader Bec's is an opportunity to contribute to the creative community through an avenue that is close to my heart and that expresses my passion.
How did you develop the Trader Bec's aesthetic?
REBECCA: When I was younger, I visited places like Germany, the Czech Republic, Switzerland and France. I took mental notes of everything that spoke to me. I loved the architecture, cuisine, fashion and design. Unconsciously, I carried around those references for years and would seek out treasures that reminded of those places.
My personal design aesthetic was refined during graduate school (where I studied contemporary art curation and public art at USC). And later when I worked at fine art galleries; that's where I learned what works on a branded, commercial level. During this time I also assisted luxury, interior design firms and witnessed how the 1% lived, i.e. Los Angeles celebrities and New York Billionaires. These combined experiences defined for me what design/art had value at a high level and what was simply popular/trendy.
Pictured: Rebecca at Art Miami Basel.
How did this aesthetic inform the approach to curating content for Trader Bec's?
REBECCA: I notice craftsmanship and pay attention to people and products with a great story. I am drawn to quality, a non-standard silhouette, and an unusual design choice. I am consistently looking for items with "star-power" those that possess all the greatest qualities: i.e. form, function, beauty, AND a little je ne sais quoi.
What are the most important elements of a beautiful interior?
REBECCA: A sense of balance, organization (even if it's controlled chaos) and beautifully made products. What would the world look like and how very different would it all be if we filled our spaces with objects designed to be heirlooms? It would be more beautiful.
Why does California luxury in the Midwest work so well together?
REBECCA: There is a hunger in the rest of the country to “live like they do in California” and it makes sense. The weather is perfect year round which allows of unrivaled indoor/outdoor living. The percentage of your time spent in awe of nature is also greatly enhanced above other parts of the country.
In the Midwest you have a real leaning towards Traditional taste, historic craft and Mid Century Modern. These styles really speak to the historic evolution of that part of the country.
At the simplest level though these diverse locales/aesthetics work well together. Both appreciate quality. Additionally both share a sense of gratitude for the land and a mutual appreciation for a family-oriented experience, which are foundational lifestyle elements around which one can design a beautiful space.
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