SPOTLIGHT ON: REVIVAL 23
Teresa Pries is no stranger to small business in Old Town Clovis. After having to downsize and eventually close her first store there, she spent a year doing odd jobs while trying to figure out her next move. That’s when a friend told Teresa about an upcoming sermon series at her church, which would be diving into Psalm 23. At the time, Teresa recalled being sad and disappointed in her job search struggle. That scripture “changed my life. I had realized at that point that God was preparing me for something better.”
In 2014, Teresa’s husband Dale told her he thought she should open a store again despite her initial doubts. “I thought ‘I’ve been there and done that and I don’t think I could recreate it.’” Yet after much time in prayer and thought, she made it happen that same year. “It was very small, about 600 square feet,” in Clovis’ DeWitt Building. Eventually her landlord gave Teresa a bigger spot, allowing her to add more product and increase the lines she carried, until the location Revival 23 currently occupies (just down the street) became available in July of 2017—it eventually took over the space next door.
Later in 2017, developers asked Revival 23 to be part of a city revamp in Kingsburg—thus their second location was born. Greater demand led to the North Fresno store opening in 2019—now their third brick and mortar. Each store uniquely serves its area and will continue to evolve with the clientele there, with which Teresa is keenly in tune. “Because I work on the floor, too, I know a lot of our customers personally. So I know who I am shopping for and who I am presenting the store to.” Expansion online is next on the growth chart—shop and sign up for Revival 23’s subscription list when visiting their website, where E Gift Cards can also be purchased.
Great denim, trendy blouses, jewelry, home décor, and fragrances have been the cornerstones of Revival 23 since its founding. Now coming up on its sixth anniversary this summer, Teresa credits her success, in part, to having an incredibly supportive family—her husband and daughter work at the store alongside her daily. “Back in the day, I tried to be everything to everybody.” So this time around, she also got pickier about merchandise. “I just expanded on everything I loved,” instead of trying to be everything to everyone and make everyone happy. “I’ve really taken a lot of time to bring product in that is affordable.” Teresa is proud to say that she runs her business in a manner that will allow prices to remain reasonable for customers. It’s of utmost importance “to have the look and to give them that extra service, give them a good experience that pretty much everyone can afford.” Come experience the breadth of what Revival 23 has to offer for yourself!
CURATED TO PERFECTION
“I see the beauty in the ordinary things. It’s just what I’m all about! It can be kooky and weird sometimes, but I always think about merchandising, presenting it to the customer in a way that they want to stand there and take it all in.” Revival 23 is a reflection of Teresa, who allows the curation process to evolve with current inspiration and adapt with the seasons.
SOURCED FROM ALL OVER
“My idea of a perfect vacation is not only working and buying, but it’s also going to cool flea markets.” Teresa visits many around California. “It’s exhausting, but it’s so much fun.” Round Top, Texas is another favorite picking destination, as it attracts many European vendors. (Her collection of antique bread bowls is a must-see.)
EXCLUSIVE OFFERINGS
“I feel very passionate about all my lines.” For jeans, Teresa only carries Kut from the Kloth—a premium denim brand that comes with an attractive $89 price tag. “We also carry Hobo handbags and wallets,” as well as La Vie Parisienne jewelry at every location, all of which are well-priced. Voluspa candles are also big at Revival 23, and they tend to go quickly!
PERSONAL STYING SERVICES
For personalized style, just ask for Revival 23’s Personal Stylist Jennifer Nakashian. “You can make an appointment with her. There’s no charge for it.” From finding the perfect pair of denim to special occasion outfits, “she’ll take good care of you. She’ll style you head to toe.” Her styling room is beautiful, and its lighting will leave you a little bit more in love with yourself.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“This is the year we are going to dive deeper into the lines, rather than bringing in new … so people can get to know them.” Look out for a “tasting table” event featuring new bath products, gifts with purchase, and samples come summer. Revival 23’s occasional charcuterie board classes often sell out...fast. And the “Sweets Tray” option is basically its dessert alternative. Each store will be hosting events specifically designed to cater to that customer and the season.
www.revival23.com | shop@revival23.com | @revival23
CLOVIS
416 Pollasky Avenue
Clovis, CA 93612
559.593.5127
“The Clovis customers have really dictated what they want.” So in the main room, Teresa prioritizes texture and products with “deeper and darker, rich colors. You have the beautiful leather from Hobo and our beautiful denim,” which are vey popular. On the other side, the aesthetic gets “light and airy” with rustic florals layered amid bath products, fragrances, and home décor.
KINGSBURG
1369 Draper Street
Kingsburg, CA 93631
559.593.1006
It seemed befitting to be part of “the beginning of a revival in Kingsburg. No pun intended!” Teresa was hesitant to commit at first, but was sold upon seeing the beautiful building. “We’ve given our customers a satellite location” with Kingsburg. “They’re more of a boho look.” Though not as big as the flagship, you can always count on high-end denim, leather bags, and jewelry there.
NORTH FRESNO
2042 East Copper Avenue, Suite 108
Fresno, CA 93730
559.283.8753
To get to know her Fresno customer better, “I kept everything clean and neutral as kind of a good foundation for us.” Teresa brought in products that she didn’t have elsewhere. “The best of the best bath products and candles, and I kind of elevated that store slightly,” offering exclusives from Barr-Co. and U.S. Apothecary. “That store is not so rustic—it’s a little bit more refined.”
Managing Editor Lauren Barisic
Photographers Alexis Darrow & Don Dizon
