By Laura Wallis
Photographs by Stephanie Zollshan
“We are in the heritage business,” says Doris Barsauskas of MacKimmie Co., the store she owns and operates with her husband, Vytas, on Church Street in Lenox. The handcrafted textiles, apparel, and gifts that fill the shelves come from designers and mills in the U.S. and abroad. Some are longtime institutions, some new and emerging, but all share the highest standards of craftsmanship—and bring a quality of warmth that Doris prioritizes for her customers.
Creating a welcoming vibe was a must for Doris in opening the Lenox shop. The business began out of a desire to introduce customers to the cozy, beautiful, natural-fiber textiles that she grew up loving in the port town of Halifax, Nova Scotia. She gave the business her Scottish maiden name, MacKimmie, in honor of that legacy and of her father, who died when she was 15.
Doris and Vytas relocated to Marblehead, Massachusetts, from the New York City area in 2011 after long careers, in finance for him, and in wholesale and fashion merchandising for her. There they opened their first shop, a tiny place specializing in textiles from Scotland and Ireland. “Marblehead was a huge sailing town, so it was a great place to sell blankets and throws.” Within a couple of years, they had an itch to move again.
Doris, surrounded by piles of her favorite natural-fiber sweaters, made by Fisherman Out of Ireland (folded on table); and Eribé, from Scotland (hanging blue cardigan)
“We were looking for a more relaxing way of life,” says Doris. “We didn’t know anything about the Berkshires, but somebody had recommended we come up.” They spoke with locals to research the best fit. “One of the people that was a force for us was Tony [Chojnowski] from Casablanca,” Doris recalls. “We reached out to him to understand the nuances of owning a small business here. And he was very open.”
“There’s a nostalgic component to everything we buy.”
In Lenox they found the pace, people, and connection they were seeking. “It’s a very kind group of people that come here. They love local businesses, they love the arts and culture,” Doris says.
Silk scarf by French accessory brand Inoui Editions. Home goods, including throw pillows and cushions, add touches of luxury. These lambswool cushion balls by Natures Collection arefrom Denmark.
The couple travels widely to source for the store. Many of their modern makers are certified B Corps—a designation given to a global community of businesses that emphasize environmental as well as social sustainability. The pair is also, always, drawn to those who still do things in the traditional ways, with timeless patterns, fabrics, artistry, and craftsmanship. “There’s a nostalgic component to everything that we buy,” she says.
For those interested in shopping MacKimmie Co. from afar, an upgraded website is in the works. But you’ll find the broadest selection of goods—and the warmest welcome—by visiting the shop. There’s nothing like experiencing these luxurious textiles first hand.
