Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Payne-Campbell.
Stephanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
domecíl began in a very simple way: I was making linen aprons that felt beautiful, inspired by sundresses. I sold them at local craft fairs and eventually began wholesaling them to shops I admired. Along the way, I started sourcing handwoven baskets from southern Chile, always with the dream of opening a shop of my own someday. In 2021, I was offered a small space in an Airstream trailer behind Folly on Santa Claus Lane in Carpinteria. It was a wonderful first step, but after three months, we unexpectedly lost the lease. At that point, I had a choice, continue selling exclusively online or take a leap and open a storefront in Santa Barbara. That September, I opened domecíl’s first brick-and-mortar shop in Victoria Court, tucked just off State Street. It was a small space, but it allowed me to bring together everything I loved – beautifully crafted home goods, natural materials, and pieces that tell a story. Two years later, the opportunity arose to move into a larger space on State Street, allowing us to expand both our collection and our vision. Looking back, there was no single defining moment. It was a series of small steps and opportunities that slowly built into what domecíl is today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive community from the very beginning. Our customers, local makers, designers, and neighbors have truly made domecíl what it is today, and I’m grateful every day for the people who continue to support us. That said, owning an independent retail business comes with its challenges. The retail landscape has changed dramatically over the years, and fewer people shop in person than they once did. Small businesses are constantly adapting, finding new ways to connect with customers while preserving the personal experience that makes brick-and-mortar shopping so special. There have certainly been moments that required resilience and creativity, but I remain optimistic. I believe people still crave meaningful spaces, thoughtful products, and genuine human connection. My hope is that we can continue to help cultivate that experience and contribute to a thriving local retail community for years to come.
We’ve been impressed with domecíl, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
domecíl is a lifestyle brand and retail shop in downtown Santa Barbara. Alongside our own products, we curate clothing, accessories, home décor, handmade ceramics, baskets, and fine art from makers and artists whose work brings beauty, warmth, and a sense of story to everyday living.
One of the things that sets us apart is our belief that people are better served by buying fewer things, but better things. We are selective about every product we bring into the shop, considering not only its design and quality, but also its craftsmanship, longevity, and the story behind it. We want our customers to invest in pieces they’ll cherish and live with for years to come.
Equally important is the atmosphere we cultivate. From the music and lighting to the fragrances in the air and the conversations that we have throughout the day, we want domecíl to feel inviting and inspiring. We genuinely enjoy getting to know the people who walk through our doors and building relationships that often extend well past a single visit.
Beyond retail, we host workshops and gatherings throughout the year that bring people together to learn, create, and share ideas. From kintsugi and seasonal cooking classes to creative lectures and poetry events, these experiences are a natural extension of our mission. We see domecíl not only as a shop, but as a place for discovery, creativity, and meaningful connection.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that we have remained true to our values as we’ve grown. Our growth has been slow and steady, allowing us to be deliberate in every decision we make. I’m proud of the products we’ve developed, particularly our signature fragrance and candle, as well as our own clothing line, designed by me and produced here in California. More than anything, I’m proud that domecíl has evolved into a place that people return to again and again, not just for what we sell, but for how it makes them feel.
I would want readers to know that every item in our shop has been chosen with care. My hope is that when someone visits domecíl, they leave with something beautiful, but also with a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, beauty, and the rituals of everyday living.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think one of the biggest shifts we’re already seeing is that retail is becoming about much more than simply selling products. As more aspects of our lives become automated and increasingly digital, people are craving authentic experiences and human connection. The most successful retail spaces of the future will be those that create opportunities for community, creativity, and meaningful interaction. Whether through workshops, classes, artist collaborations, exhibitions, or special events, people are looking for places where they can gather, learn, and connect with others in person. I believe the role of retail will continue to evolve into something more experiential and community-centered. Stores have the opportunity to become gathering places that support local artists, makers, and small businesses while enriching the communities they serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://domecil.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/domecil/
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/domecil/
