Philadelphia Weekly

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Occupation: owner, Joan Shepp Boutique
Location: Rittenhouse Square
Style: eclectic two-bedroom apt.

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You've only lived in Philadelphia for about four years. What brought you to the city?

I lived in the suburbs, in Lafayette Hills and then Elkins Park, where I raised my two daughters. One day I was walking in Center City and I thought the energy was great and the people were friendly. I decided that I wanted the experience of living in town. I looked at a few different places to live and eventually realized that I like old things--things with history--and that I'm not good in a modern setting. I wanted high ceilings and character. I originally chose apartment living because I didn't truly know if I would like living in the city. I didn't have to make a long-term commitment. Plus, it was a luxury to have someone else responsible for general repairs and maintenance, unlike having a home where you fix everything. That was new for me.

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When did you decide to open a store in the city?

I had been living in the city for a year when one day I was walking down Walnut Street and spotted a flower shop with a huge window and thought how exciting it would be to have a store here. The space then was just a room with low ceilings. It wasn't big like it is now. I noticed a hole in the wall with hidden, unused space and I realized that I could expand it.

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You've walked a fairly non-traditional path. Most people move out of the city as they get older.

I was mentally ready for the change. It was the excitement of knowing that I could go to the theater or to the park and only walk a few blocks, that you can go out and get something to eat at 10 o'clock. You don't get that in the suburbs. When I was living outside of the city, I never thought of living anywhere else because my business and my responsibilities were out there. But I knew I wanted to do and learn more. We get so conditioned and comfortable wherever it is that we are. It takes a lot to make a change and you have to be open to it. I'm always interested in growing. Once I was walking around here, I had a feeling of comfort and inspiration. I got to see things I never saw before. I felt like I was in first grade again.

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Your home is filled with beautiful antiques. Where does your interest in antiques come from?

It's an eclectic collection of things I have acquired over the years. Many of the items are meaningful things that have come into my life or things I have fallen in love with along the way and purchased. I love posters, especially art deco. I have an original Vogue cover from 1923 and to me it's more than a picture; it says so much more than that. It took so much time and such attention to detail to create it. I get very excited about items that show a particular talent or skill. I'm amazed by the abilities of others, like the craftsmanship of old furniture.

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Do you see a correlation between fashion and interiors?

They're like brother and sister. Everything that has do with taste and style relates to each other. My motto with customers at the shop is that they should buy what they love and what makes them feel good. If someone puts something on and they feel good, they will look fabulous. If they buy it because they think it's what they should be wearing, it's not going to work. Everything is emotional. Same with the space we live in. I change the color of one wall in the store every six months. Interiors have a major impact on our lives and how we feel. I think now more than ever dressing and people's homes have become more personalized. How we feel has become more important.

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Finish this sentence. To me, my home represents ...

... safety, calmness and serenity. I love to come home, light candles and listen to music. It's like going to the beach and looking at the water.