Gloria Spann and Tammy Tyus shop at the opening day of Panache consignment antiques located at the corner of Walnut and West Vine Streets. TMP/E. Edgemon

Dorris Hampton and Jan Rowlette have a passion for antiques.

The business partners and best friends are taking on antiques with panache in their new antique store at the corner of Walnut and West Vine Streets. Panache, offering a mix of antiques and new home interior items, opened Feb. 4.

“We are just lucky that we are doing what we love,” Hampton said.

Hampton and Rowlette are confident in their ability to run the shop despite being faced with a tough economy. They both have a wide range of resources for securing antiques and experience in the business.

“We are committed to making it work,” Hampton said.

Rowlette, a Murfreesboro native who now lives in Bell Buckle, is the owner of two other antique shops in Bell Buckle: The Livery Stable Antique Mall, which has been open for 15 years, and the Bell Buckle Antique Mall.

The pair met when Rowlette hired Hampton to decorate her Bell Buckle bed and breakfast Arrowlet. A friendship soon blossomed.

Rowlette said she inherited her love of antiques from her parents who were both antiquers. She would go to auctions with her dad as a child.

She has an affinity for antique furniture, which is made a lot better than most furniture is today, Rowlette said, and it appreciates in value. She also admires the uniqueness of antique items and how she still sees something new every week.

Hampton, an interior designer, moved to Murfreesboro from Atlanta 10 years ago.

She often uses antiques in her designs, mixing them with more modern pieces.

“I prefer antiques, but what really excites me is mixing it up,” Hampton said.

When the opportunity came to open a shop together in Murfreesboro, they jumped at the chance.

Panache is a consignment shop that will have an ever-changing supply of antiques, vintage and new items.

“You will never know what you are going to find,” Hampton said.

Rowlette and Hampton said there is a demand for a shop that will take and sell antiques that were once owned by loved ones.

“We want people to bring in their precious mementos from the past,” Hampton said.

Now Panache features a variety of vintage, traditional and European pieces. Pieces include new and antique lamps, custom lampshades, antique chair frames and beds and vintage garden items like wrought iron gates.

Panache
302 W. Vine St. | 895-6281

Hours of operation
Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or by appointment