Cali of Parlour and Juke

TO MEET · 12/14/2012

Cali of Parlour and Juke

We didn’t have to spend too much time in Nashville to notice the tight-knit community of artisans and creatives. While in town, we spent time with a handful of Nashville characters in their local businesses—Barista Parlor, Third Man Records, Sideshow Sign Co., Parlour and Juke, and Imogene + Willie—to get to know the people behind the burgeoning Nashville brands.

Cali, the owner of Parlour and Juke, sat down to chat with us between clients.

We found it hard to believe that the shop will only be two years old as of this March. It feels comfortable and a bit worn in, like that good friend’s house where the door is always open to visitors.

The walls were lined with a collection of posters, prints, photographs and found objects. There’s also no shortage of taxidermy filling the space.

We sunk into one of the overstuffed leather couches to find out from Cali where it all came from.

It turns out that the majority of the objects in the space were already within Cali’s family; the snakeskin on the wall was killed by her grandfather, the coffee table was found in her parents’ barn, and the quilt hanging from the rafters was sewn by her great-grandmother. Some things were picked up at places like the World’s Largest Yard Sale, or just off of the side of the road.

Even as the owner of the shop, Cali still puts in at least 60 hours per week doing hair, whether it be in the shop or out at events and awards ceremonies. She always knew that she wanted to open a shop of her own, and also, “selfishly wanted a place where bands could play.” Cali, who is originally from Alabama, was drawn to Nashville by the lively music culture.

Musical events are often hosted in the space as part of their “Live Cuts” series. The furniture is cleared out of the center space to make room for bands and crowds.

Unfortunately, there weren’t any events being held while we were in town, but we loved having the chance to chat with Cali and get a tour of the space. After trying out a few frames, she decided that the Ainsworth in Walnut Tortoise was the pair for her—the feminine slightly cat-eye frame fit her perfectly, and the yellow of the tortoise really brightened up her eyes!