We got an invitation recently for a birthday party for a Capitol Hill three two-year-old named Whimsy.
Whimsy is colorful on the inside, too
The Hill retailer is celebrating with a sale and a party this SaturdayThursday with food, drink, entertainment, and free cupcakes for all. Naturally, we had a few questions for Whimsy.
So, Whimsy, your name… is that Irish? What’s it mean?
My name Whimsy is defined as “quaint, fanciful or odd” (I prefer unique here), it also suggests sudden inspiration. My closest relative is Capricious: “playful or arbitrary”(whatever she happens to like at the moment). My mother intended Whimsy to imply a fun twist on the ordinary: unexpected color on classic shapes or unique shapes applied to functional items.
You’re about to celebrate your 2nd birthday. Tell us about the party.
My second Birthday is all about celebrating friendships I’ve made in my life so far. The party extends for a whole week! I will have the usual cake and ice cream (but in the form of everlasting cupcakes and melted ice cream spoons) free with any purchase. Prizes from my fellow “brick and mortar” friends will be given away daily and I am also offering 10% off any items if you catch me out of stock. An exclusive after hours event on Thursday for my “Rewards Club” friends is the highlight-it’s free and never too late to join.
Who shops at Whimsy? Describe your typical customer. Is he cute?
Is he cute? Hey, looks are nice but I’m not superficial or stuffy. I look deeper-into the soul of my human friends. Those who have a sense of style and a sense of humor are my best customers. They have colorful and unique personalities, aren’t afraid to be themselves and love to experiment with mixing styles and colors in their own way.
What’s your most whimsical Capitol Hill Whimsy story from your first two years in business?
Since whimsical encompasses my playful side, I think the best example is the food and drinks I serve up regularly and not a specific instance. While I don’t personally eat or drink, I always have what my human friends call faux on hand. I prefer everlasting or “calorie free”. Anyway, people always feel the need to poke their fingers into my refreshments to see if they are “real” For Halloween, I served candy and everyone was suspicious of it’s authenticity. During the winter Holidays, I filled a punch bowl with cranberries and floating candles and everyone who knows me plunged their hand in.
There are suddenly lots of interesting neighbors nearby. How has your area of the Hill changed since 2007?
The more the merrier I always say! I love that my human friends who come in just to cheer themselves up with color and humor can also cheer themselves with delectable drinks (perked, brewed or fermented), savory bites and luscious licks along with the primping and pampering offered by my good neighbors.
I notice you have info boxes out front with info about the Whimsy Web site. Aren’t you jealous of its success?
Jealous? We’re the closest of sisters- actually fraternal twins. We’re used to dressing alike and sharing our treasures and friends. We both love “serious fun” having been raised to appreciate the good things in life but enjoy them most with an eclectic twist. Unlike .Com, though, I hate to travel (I miss my friends, plus all the time and climate changes wreck havoc on my hair and complexion!). She on the other hand, inherited our mother’s wanderlust and recently acquired a taste for international experiences. Instead of being jealous we cheer on each others’ successes and celebrate our differences.
Update: Whimsy cleared up a few items in this piece so you’ll see some strikeouts. The party on Thursday is for their customers but I’m told all are welcome to stop in.
