Beautiful Mess: New vintage and thrift store opens in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The middle of a pandemic is never an ideal time to open a new business, but the new Beautiful Mess vintage shop and thrift store has been a popular shopping stop for locals and visitors since opening September 3.

"If I can get through this, I can get through anything," said Beautiful Mess proprietor Jessica Marks of the pandemic.

Jessica is no stranger to owning a store in South Lake Tahoe. The 20-year resident ran Lucky Dawg thrift store in the Tallac Center for five years before the roof collapsed. She then created a new store, Vintage Blue Exchange on Lake Tahoe Boulevard but closed after experiencing building issues and the illness and eventual passing of her mother.

Beautiful Mess has become a labor of love that is full of something for everyone. The name came from late night searches on Pinterest and the beautiful mess of creative and artistic items that fill the popular site's pages and boards. Pinterest fans like to go through pins, just as they like to go through her store.

Popular right now are the wooden animal wall hangings, home decor and tin plaques she creates from customer photos. Just added are two clothing rooms that she put together over the last two months since opening. Local bear artist Jannette Hammon has some of her creations there for sale as well.

Like vintage? Beautiful Mess has it. Like thrift store finds? Beautiful Mess has them. Like shabby chic? Beautiful Mess has it. Like unusual jewelry, signs and one-of-a-kind items? Yep, Beautiful Mess has it.

Jessica held her grand opening without advertising and word-of-mouth filled the shop and she's been going strong since then.

Since opening seven consigners have been added to the shop including local bear art and furniture refinishers.

Beautiful Mess is located near Subway at the Y, 1023 Emerald Bay Road. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The shop is closed on Mondays. Jessica recommends people call or test ahead of time as she does have to leave sometimes to pick up new merchandise. Contact her at 530.721.0282. She is creating her facebook page and will be found here.