Welcome to Mama Shops, an FM Journal series that highlights beautiful stores owned by mothers.

Photos: Ruby Nichols

Tiffany is one of those women you meet for five minutes and immediately want to call your best friend, so it’s no surprise that I had the urge to pack up my bags and move right into her shop after stepping foot in there. Nestled in Silver Lake, Night Palm is a direct reflection of the warmth, style, and friendly swag that Tiffany exudes. Upon entering, you’re greeted by a reading nook of art and music books coolly propped against a wall of matte black. Your eyes drift over to David Bowie on the walls and then to all the beautiful things. So many beautiful things! Filled with unique objects and accessories, the store is part retail shop, art gallery, and concept space that's curated as a “shoppable apartment.”

Tiffany shares how her big-time music background (Justin and J.Lo, okaaay) has shaped her vision for Night Palm and her goal to create more spaces for people to connect and get inspired. Curl up by the fire, sip on some whiskey, and drop in on our convo.

You've had quite a successful career. Can you tell us about your background prior to opening Night Palm?

I started working for Herb Ritts and his production company, Ritts/Hayden, when I was in my early 20s, eventually becoming head of the company’s Music Videos division. I produced videos for lots of big artists, like Justin Timberlake and J Lo. After Ritts/Hayden, I directed a few music videos on my own and did some fashion styling. When I left Ritts/Hayden, I started my own production company producing videos for Target.

Throughout my career I was always doing interior styling for friends and acquaintances or helping to design the sets of my shoots, but only considered it a hobby — even though looking back it was the thing I was most passionate about. I knew I wanted to put all my focus on interiors once I went back to work after staying at home with my son. I thought the store would be an ideal platform to show my sense of style and creativity.

What was your vision and inspiration for Night Palm?

I’ve always been drawn to spaces that are beautiful in design, but also bring people together to hang out. Night Palm will be the first of what, hopefully, will be many ventures in designing social spaces that bring together design, art and community. The store is curated like a shoppable apartment where anybody can come in and not only buy a one of a kind item for their house but also plop down on the couch, relax and read some Pablo Neruda.

I’m inspired by a lot of things but definitely my neighborhood, Silver Lake, played a big part in the type of experience I wanted to create for Night Palm. Silver Lake is an amazing place that’s rich in culture and full of all these interesting, artistic people. Visually for Night Palm, I was also inspired by these old photos I have of The Rolling Stones hanging out in Morocco and also the color palette of an Egon Schile painting.

It’s clear that music is a major influence. Who are your personal music legends? Name some of the greatest albums of all-time, in your opinion. (I’m guessing David Bowie is in there somewhere.)

Music is huge part of everything I do. I come from a family of musicians. My father was a big DJ in the '70s. My mother sang backup for Ricky Nelson. My brother has been in quite a few bands. When I was in my teens my stepfather had this insane record collection of '70s and '80s rock which I would play all the time. Music most definitely helps me visually in my designs. When I’m styling something, I almost always envision the space first as a song.

I listen to every type of music and it all inspires me in some way, shape or form — from old country to punk rock to hip hop to jazz and blues. Personal music legends include Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, John Coltrane, and Patti Smith. Albums: "The Chronic" by Dr. Dre, "Songs of Leonard Cohen" by Leonard Cohen, "The Rise of Ziggy Stardust" by Bowie, "Promise" by Sade, "What’s the Story Morning Glory" by Oasis, Neutral Milk Hotel, "Ram" by Paul McCartney and Prince’s "Purple Rain."

I love that you carved out a cozy reading nook in the store. What are you reading at the moment?

I seriously read about 10 things at the same time. So on top of the 20 or so design magazines that I’m bookmarking right now, I’m also reading Ram Dass' "Polishing the Mirror" and a poetry book by Radmila Lazic, called "A Wake for the Living."

Tell us about a few of your favorite items in the shop right now.

This is tough, because a lot of the products I carry in the store are from artists that I’m seriously bananas over. But if I had to pick, there is a local artist named Siri France’s whose paintings are so beautiful! I also love all the vintage pieces I have, because they are one-of-a-kind. And then there are the products we are creating exclusively for the store through collaborations with other artists. For example: a Night Palm perfume, wooden skateboards with a skateboard company out of Sand Diego, and some beautiful textiles.

I know the store is still very new, but what’s been your proudest moment so far?

One night, a bunch of women randomly came into the store at the same time. They were friends old and new from the neighborhood, and they all ended up hanging out for hours talking to each other about art, design and politics. Most of them didn’t even know each other before they came in, and after few hours of some of the most thoughtful and emotional conversations, we all walked away with new buddies. Since that day, this has happened quite a bit. I feel so grateful that I am able to hold some type of space that is more than just a store…for me anyway.

You adopted a beautiful son. Has motherhood impacted your career in any way? If so, how?

When we found out we were going to be parents, I put my career on hold for four years so I could soak up as much time being a mama. I loved every moment of it. Arlo has cracked me open in so many ways spiritually and creatively. I always say he is my little Muse.

Looking back, what advice would you give yourself as a new mom?

Sleep when you can and as often as you can. Be present in the special moments with your child and try not to get too hung up on constantly capturing them. Be gentle with yourself and find the time to nurture yourself as much as you are nurturing those around you. Do at least one creative thing a day that is just for you. Remember to kiss your partner because it’s easy to get lost in parenthood.

Night Palm is located at 1724 Silver Lake Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90026. (213) 699-9060. Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11am to 7pm, Sunday 11am to 5pm, closed Monday.

Ruby Nichols is a Fashion Mamas LA member, the founder of Almanac of Style, and mama to Dash.

Explore Night Palm, A Bookworm-Friendly Home Decor Mecca in Silver Lake