Today on La Vie Creative, we explore something many of us feel deep in our bones but often struggle to articulate:
the longing for simplicity, authenticity, and old-world craftsmanship in a fast-paced world.
My guest, Chloe—founder of Boxwood Avenue, interior designer, shop owner, retreat host, and all-around creative force—embodies that balance effortlessly. Her journey takes us from the quiet ranch lands of Northern California to the romantic streets of Paris, where she now builds a business rooted in intention, heritage, and beauty.
This is a story about listening to your inner calling, honoring craftsmanship, and having the courage to reinvent yourself, one small step at a time.
A French Family History & an Unexpected Call Toward France
Although Chloe grew up in Reno–Tahoe, her connection to France runs deep. Her father’s family comes from the French Alps, and like many during WWII, her grandfather immigrated to the U.S., eventually settling in the San Francisco area.
For years, France was simply a distant story—until Chloe began antiquing here.
Her first visit to Paris didn’t spark love at first sight.
But when she returned and began exploring flea markets, brocantes, and the world of French antiques, something clicked. The craftsmanship, the history, the patina of old objects pulled her back again and again—until she eventually made Paris her home.
From Etsy Shop to Interior Design Studio to European Retreats
Boxwood Avenue began with something humble: an Etsy shop in a tiny town so small its population is listed as “zero.” Back then, Chloe’s dream was simple:
“If I could just make enough money to visit France once a year, that would be incredible.”
But with encouragement from her right-hand woman, Lori, the simple Etsy shop blossomed into:
✨ an interior design business
✨ a brick-and-mortar shop
✨ a thriving online store
✨ lifestyle retreats throughout Europe
✨ and a beautiful, intentional community of women seeking slower living
The turning point came when Chloe began bringing French antiques home for her shop. Her audience saw what she was finding and said:
“Can we come with you?”
So she launched retreats—first in Italy, then all over Europe—focused on food, design, craftsmanship, culture, and the joy of slow living.
The Ranch Years: Simplicity, Community & Finding the Self
One of the most powerful chapters of Chloe’s story is the decade she spent living on a remote cattle ranch in Likely, California.
The nearest Pilates studio? Forget it.
Shopping? Nonexistent.
Community? Everything.
That time grounded her. It stripped away materialism. It deepened her appreciation for agriculture and taught her the joy of giving—especially through coaching high-school cheerleading, one of the most fulfilling experiences of her life.
Those years shaped her philosophy today:
✨ you don’t need more—you need meaningful
✨ beauty exists in simplicity
✨ community matters
✨ slow living isn’t a trend but a truth
And after a decade, when it was time for change, she made a bold leap.
Choosing Courage: Starting Over in Paris
Amid major life changes—including divorce—Chloe decided to start fresh. She put everything in storage, rented an Airbnb in Paris for three months, and simply tried life here.
She didn’t overplan.
She didn’t wait for perfect timing.
She took the next small step.
Those steps eventually led to a visa, a home in Paris, and a business that now spans continents.
Design Inspiration: Living in an Open-Air Museum
As an interior designer, Paris is Chloe’s dream classroom.
She finds inspiration in:
🎨 architectural details
🪵 millwork and wood transitions
🖼 vintage frames and museum displays
🚪 Parisian color palettes
📚 historic architectural drawing books
🍽 food, textures, and atmosphere
Paris reminds her that design doesn’t need to be perfect—it needs to be intentional. She encourages people everywhere to adopt simple French design principles:
✨ embrace color—not white walls everywhere
✨ choose natural materials
✨ invest in timeless pieces
✨ add meaning, not clutter
✨ preserve craftsmanship whenever possible
Protecting Slow Living in a Fast World
Chloe admits she wears many hats—but she works hard to live what she teaches.
Her daily ritual includes:
🧘♀️ meditation
📓 journaling
✨ “Magic Wand Life” exercises
🕯 red-light therapy face mask (multitasking, beautifully!)
Her favorite practice?
Writing down what her life would look like if money, fear, or logic didn’t matter—then reverse engineering the dream into small, doable steps.
It’s how she moved to Paris.
It’s how she rebuilt her business.
It’s how she designs her future.
For Anyone Feeling Lost or Creatively Blocked…
Chloe offers these reminders:
🌿 Your rock bottoms are often slingshots.
🌿 Take the next step, not all the steps.
🌿 Look at your life from the eyes of your 90-year-old self.
🌿 Let things fall away if they’re no longer aligned.
🌿 Dream first, then figure out the how.
Evolving as an Entrepreneur: Let It Change
Boxwood Avenue has gone through many chapters—from influencer work, to a brick-and-mortar store, to European retreats, to a global design studio.
Chloe says the most important entrepreneurial skills are:
🔥 adaptability
🔥 creativity
🔥 willingness to pivot
🔥 staying curious
🔥 building real, in-person relationships
Workshops, retreats, and industry communities have been the biggest catalysts for her growth—proof that connection still matters more than algorithms.
What’s Next for Boxwood Avenue?
Chloe’s magic-wand future includes:
🏡 Boxwood properties across Europe
🛋 curated artisan goods connecting European makers + American designers
🎒 continued retreats in France, Italy, and beyond
✨ growing the interior design studio
🌍 and maybe more projects she hasn’t even imagined yet
And if her story shows us anything, it’s that dreams evolve—and that’s the beauty of them.
Where to Find Chloe
Explore the world of Boxwood Avenue:
🌿 boxwoodavenue.com
🌍 travel.boxwoodavenue.com
🛋 design.boxwoodavenue.com
🛒 shop.boxwoodavenue.com
