Cajun & Clover bring antiques downtown

HOOD RIVER — The Koughan’s have always considered themselves collectors. From decorating to thrifting, estate sales to live auctions, Jim, Stephanie, and Riley do it all. Their most recent endeavor is selling curated antiques at Cajun & Clover, their new storefront in downtown Hood River.

The origin of the store revolves around Jim and Stephanie’s son Riley, an interior designer who needed a space to showcase his style. Not only that, but Jim is Irish and Stephanie is Cajun, so the name Cajun & Clover pays homage to their son’s unique heritage.

Descending the stairs to the store feels like tiptoeing into your funky grandmother’s basement to go treasure hunting. Classic oil paintings, moody lamps, and crushed velvet couches line the walls. Kitschy toys, vintage glassware, and century-old children’s books clutter the shelves. Even one of Riley’s first toys, a metal rocking horse purchased at an auction, can be found sporting a price tag.

Despite how overstocked it is, the store manages to feel spacious rather than overwhelming. The layout, Jim said, is all thanks to Riley. “He can make any cluttered space feel big. We call it beautifully cluttered. The store is Riley’s outlet,” Jim said.

Stephanie met Jim when she worked as his boss at a manufacturing company. Before long, the two were married and expecting, all the while decorating their home with mid-century furniture and vintage chandeliers. “Riley caught the designer bug from us. It was in his blood,” Jim laughed.

The couple moved to the Gorge from Texas about six years ago and Riley moved to Portland to pursue interior design. He quickly proved his maximalist style through school projects, which his parents say varied from Victorian to Moroccan and New Orleans-inspired designs. Once in the workforce, Riley’s visions clashed with modern minimalist trends.

Eventually, COVID lockdowns forced everyone home and, not long after, Stephanie experienced a stroke. Riley moved closer to his parents for support. “Without his help I don’t know what I would’ve done,” Stephanie said.

Riley began to push his parents towards their passion for antiques. Soon, the three were selling vintage items via livestream auctions and eBay. Though good beginner platforms, especially during COVID, the lack of social interaction left them unfulfilled.

When the owner of Second Thought boutique decided to retire earlier this year, Koughan was eager to take over the vacant storefront. First-time entrepreneurs Riley, Stephanie, and Jim dove in, acquiring 112 b Oak St. in June, getting an LLC for Cajun & Clover, and officially opening their doors on Halloween.

Before inviting shoppers, the space underwent a makeover including adding a dressing room and swapping fluorescent lighting for antique chandeliers and lamps (many of which are for sale). Now the owners take turns running the shop and attending estate sales or auctions to source more items for their inventory.

Cajun & Clover aims to provide a comfortable, cozy, and inviting store that appeals to tourists and locals alike, with items from eras dating through the 1980s. “We want to have something for everyone and keep things reasonably priced so that everyone can shop here,” said Stephanie.

She also said they help people find specific pieces in their antiquing process if possible. The owners are open to feedback, looking at business as a learning process to better understand what the community likes. There are plans to expand the clothing section to include men’s items, too.

“This is full-time for us now. We spend hours here after closing to price and organize things in the back, restocking, all that,” said Stephanie, acknowledging that all three of the owners’ styles are well represented in the store. They also have a handful of items on consignment, though they are not looking for vendors.

The trio said they’ve already met many amazing people in the short time they’ve been open and are grateful for the warm reception from the community. “I hope the community continues to embrace us,” Jim said.

“We want the community to know that we’re here for them! I enjoy their company and conversation. Isn’t that what life is all about, community?” asked Stephanie.

Stop in to meet the owners and explore Cajun & Clover between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., any day except Thursday, at 112 b Oak St.