Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Ellison and Ken Valencia.
Cody and Ken have been best friends for 17 years and share an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to offer luxury inspired goods at an attainable, affordable price. Cody has a strong retail background and was national sales manager for Rose Tree where he designed, developed, and sold bedding to accounts ranging from Neiman Marcus to Tuesday Morning. Ken Valencia started his career as Regional Director for Donna Karan based in LA and then in NYC. Next was Neiman Marcus and Roberto Cavalli.
Together they opened their first store in the historic Bishop Arts District in 2012 naming it Home on Bishop because they wanted the customers to feel like they have entered their own home. They wanted to offer everyone that walked in the door a personal experience, share with them where the product was from and the unique story behind each piece in the store. Bishop Arts was the first and only location they considered because of the authentic vibe and charm of the neighborhood. The store would be a “lifestyle” boutique that would offer a thoughtfully curated mix of home accessories, furniture, lighting, jewelry, clothing, mostly hand crafted and local where possible and of course inspiration! They do not bring anything back twice, it lives in their store one time – when it sells something equally exciting takes its place!
Home on Bishop was a hit from the day it opened and the duo eventually expanded by purchasing Bishop Street Market in 2016, Bishop Street Market is a gift shop that was opened in Bishop Arts in 1996 and continues to be the “go-to” for greeting cards, candles, jewelry, unique gifts and now private label clothing.
In early 2016 Ken and Cody launched their private label clothing line Bishop Street Apparel produced domestically in LA. It has been lauded as the most comfortable/affordable clothing around and fits every body type and lifestyle.
This summer the boys expanded further by opening Ellison | Valencia Gallery that features local Dallas artists and in keeping with the original store plan, the art is unique and most importantly affordable! The gallery is a cool mix of local abstract art, sculptures, cool lighting, interactive gifts and Chihuly inspired glass wall art all at a price most can afford.
Their mantra is “you shouldn’t have to think twice about purchasing something you love.”
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part it has been a smooth road – right place at the right time, dedication to finding interesting and unique product, and a commitment to providing a memorable experience.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Home on Bishop story. Tell us more about the business.
We are a “lifestyle” store offering unique home decor, furniture, lighting, jewelry, and private label clothing at attainable price points.
We specialize in affordable luxury.
We are most proud of the fact we are able to employ 11 employees, most from right here in the neighborhood!
We are most proud of the ability to offer handpicked luxury inspired items at affordable price points that only live in the store one time – it really is what sets us apart from the rest.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see more and more customers shopping local and small wanting a more personal experience that are impossible when shopping online and in big box stores.
It’s no secret online shopping continues to grow but I believe people are realizing a larger percentage of money spent with local businesses goes back into the community, Some studies show 68% percent of every dollar spent with local businesses goes back versus 39% when shopping online or big box stores. It is a way to make a difference right in your own community.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1. Home on Bishop 502 N. Bishop Ave. Dallas, TX 75208
2. Bishop Street Market 419 N. Bishop Ave. Dallas, TX 75208
3. Ellison | Valencia Gallery 408 N. Bishop Ave #103 Dallas, TX 75208 - Website: https://shopbishoparts.com/
- Phone: 214-434-1421
- Email: homeonbishop@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeonbishop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomeOnBishop/
Image Credit:
USA Today – USA Today Top Ten
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