I’m Therese, and Closet Kitty is a passion project born from my lifelong love of art, independent businesses, sustainability—and yes, cats! I chose the name because I’ve always admired a cat's innate curiosity and hunting prowess. Those are the exact traits required to scout out the unique, hidden treasures that end up in my shop.

My journey started with a Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a focus on Gallery and Museum Studies. From there, I spent years immersed in the creative world—working in galleries, independent bookstores, assisting local artists, and starting an art career of my own. I learned early on how to look at an object and see the story, craftsmanship, and soul behind it.

Life has a way of surprising you, and no one was more surprised than me when mine took a twenty-year detour into the world of accounting and recycling. It all started when I began doing the books for a variety of small businesses and artists as a way to earn income. This eventually led to a job as an accountant and later controller for a West Coast recycling company. It was here that I honed my commitment to sustainability, circular economies, and keeping wonderful, perfectly functional items out of landfills.

Closet Kitty is my way of blending all my loves and interests. I use my curator’s eye to pounce on exceptional, pre-loved pieces, and my business experience to run a sustainable shop that puts the customer and the planet first.

Thanks for stopping by and supporting a small, eco-conscious business! It's the purr-fect way to shop.