About Us

Saffron and Genevieve opened in September of 2005 in Santa Cruz, California. Proprietor Colleen Hickey travels all over the country, hand-selecting unique vintage treasures to bring back to the shop. You will find funky old lamps, beautiful oil paintings, mirrors, and great quality vintage hutches, tables, and chairs. Her passion is redesigning and reupholstering old pieces that have great, well made frames. In addition to the one-of-a-kind items she finds, Colleen also adds exclusive bath and candle lines and new items with an eclectic feel into the mix.

"I opened Saffron and Genevieve with the intention of creating a positive, comfortable and exciting retail environment, providing customers with the satisfaction of knowing that they are getting something special, something out of the ordinary.” Whether this is a book, a sofa, or simply instructions on how to make something special in their own homes, Saffron and Genevieve allows clients to visualize (and realize) their home, looking and feeling the way they want and filled with fabulous things they love. Colleen has eight years of experience helping clients personalize their own homes. She is striving to be environmentally conscious, with only natural fibers, candles and lotions that are scented with natural essential oils, and of course, she is big on recycled items.

Why the name?

Saffron is a great British name I have always loved; it’s rich, classy, and unique. To me, Saffron always does her own thing, she does not follow others, she does not need to be a leader, but people follow her because she has a special style they can’t resist…

Genevieve is my grandmother’s name. Her house can not be described as any one era or style; it’s filled with treasures she has acquired in her travels all over the world, and feels interesting, inviting, and cozy.

Colleen’s Philosophy

I believe a home should never be finished being decorated, things should be acquired over time, as the budget allows, and as the perfect pieces are found. I believe you should never have an item in your home that you do not love. By designing my own accessories, furniture, and refurbishing vintage finds, I have the creative freedom to provide you with what you need to create a space with individuality and express your own sense of style.