It’s unique, different and eclectic.

Monday, October 16, 2000

It’s unique, different and eclectic.

Repeat: unique, different and eclectic.

Those three words dominated the interview with Pearl Schieck and Karen Lorenzen, owners of Wildewood Cottage Inc.

The co-owners repeatedly resorted to the trio of words to describe a business that is, well, unique, different and eclectic," as Schieck is eager to describe.

Co-owner Lorenzen also points out what sets the business apart from others.

"We’re a speciality shop and a sensory experience," said Lorenzen. "Some of the things we have can only be found in Vail, Colorado or Duluth or other places far away. Now, they can be found in Wildewood Cottage in Austin."

There’s no other way to describe the house turned into a business at 808 West Oakland Ave.

Mildred Wilder lived there until her health prevented her from living independently and moved to Burr Oak Manor Nursing Home where she died at the age of 104.

The house is located next to the dental practice of Dr. Joel Schieck, Pearl’s husband, and it caught her eye.

When Schieck and Lorenzen crossed paths at an estate sale in Brownsdale, they discovered they shared a mutual interest in antiques, collectibles and the unusual.

A friendship was born that evolved into a business relationship.

Wilder’s house was acquired and both families proceeded to completely renovate the dwelling.

Newly painted with a handicapped accessible ramp and deck, parking in the rear and fall flowers decorating the entry way, it is every bit as unique, different and eclectic inside as the owners’ say it is.

For instance, there’s Burt’s Bees earth-friendly, natural personal care products. Everything from baby Bee bath and body products, Bay Rum men’s grooming, Burt’s Beeswax lip balm and others.

There is also exquisite Salt Marsh pottery, the Real McCoy, Triple Milled soap and other milk and soy personal care products for men and women, trolls by Carl Larson, Samii Laplander outer garments, luxurious to the touch and captivating to the eye Dale Scandinavian sweaters and more.

"We strive to carry products that all have quality to them," said Schieck.

Fresh flowers delivered weekly allow the owners to prepare special arrangements.

There is also the unique, such as the Flipart books. What is Flipart? Visit the store and see for yourself.

An upright piano (sold), dressers, curio cabinets and more were salvaged from the house, when it was purchased. Many are for sale.

There are home decorating accessories, clothing items, children’s books, candles, wall art, including prints, bird houses, mirrors and everything the owners needed to set apart their new business.

Remember: the operative word is "unique."

The Samii Laplander children’s sweaters can only be purchased locally at Wildewood Cottage

And items such as Scandinavian Krone lights may not be available at the local drug or discount store.

Gift baskets can be bought elsewhere, but it’s what Schieck and Lorenzen can put into those baskets that sets their’s apart.

"We want our customers to have a good experience when they come here," said Schieck

"You can have dreams that will take your back in time or feel like your somewhere else you’ve never been before," said Lorenzen.

"People who come here will never see the same things on our shelves for very long. We want to stay unique and stay ahead of trends," said Schieck.

Both business women credit their husbands and families with supporting their venture.

Frank Lorenzen is an engineer at Akkerman Manufacturing, Brownsdale. The couple has three children.

Joel and Pearl Schieck have three sons.

The renovation of the home along West Oakland Avenue began in the spring of 1999. By October of that year, they were ready to open.

"There was no special ceremonies or anything. We just opened," said Schieck.

Today, one year later, their inventory of vintage items, home accessories, one-of-a-kind gift items and the rest sets them apart in a highly competitive business niche.

The business owners use poetry to describe their venture:

"Let’s find a nook by a tinkling brook and stop there. Just you and I. Let’s live again for a little while in the land of used-to-be and I’ll paint memories for you while you weave dreams for me."

Unique, different, eclectic, the description matches Wildewood Cottage.

The shop is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

For more information, call (507) 433-8970.