Happy Meet Us Monday, everyone! Today we are introducing the woman behind much of the fashion buying for the Paddington Station family of stores, Kelly Hammond! Kelly is a Co-Owner, Vice President of the company, and works in product management.
Where did you grow up?
I like to say I’m an Oregon girl, but I was born in Burbank, California and we moved up here when I was 5. The joke was always that I was born across the street from the Disney studios! One of my earliest memories is from when we moved and my mom gave me Retail Magic Barbie. She told me we were opening this store and I was so excited!
What is something about you that would surprise people?
My dad is such a film snob, and it might surprise people that I’ve seen pretty much every black and white movie and all of the AFI Top 100 movies. My dream job when I was a kid was to be the Turner Classic Movie host! It’s hard to choose a favorite old movie, but currently one of my favorites is The Philadelphia Story because my daughter Dinah gets her name from it.
What is the best meal you ever had?
My family went to Italy when I was 22 and we went on a bus tour that included this absolutely incredible food and wine. Another family on the tour were fighting the entire time and didn’t eat their meals, so we got to eat theirs in addition to ours! I remember how fun it was to drink wine with my parents in the middle of the day and we all had a blast together.
What is your favorite time of year?
I’m excited for Fall, mostly for fashion reasons. I love a nice plaid blazer or an oversized boxy jacket, and everyone jokes, “Oh Kelly, your jackets are here!” This year, we have these amazing Pendleton jackets coming to the store and I can’t wait for them to arrive.
Where is your favorite spot in Ashland?
I live by Kestrel Park and there’s a secret spot that Dinah, Riley, and I found. It’s right on the creek and there’s an old bench and being there is like entering another world! It’s so beautiful and such a special hidden spot for us.
What are some of your hobbies?
I’m a singer! I really enjoy the “park and bark”, where I just stand there and perform. I love musical theatre, classical, and singing Fiona Apple with my record player at home.
Tell me about your favorite pet you’ve ever had.
Toby was my dog growing up and she was the best dog ever. She was a Blue Heeler but didn’t like going outside, acting more like a Siamese cat sitting there and cuddling me by my side. I remember that she smelled like Fritos! The best part about her was how she loved me… it’s just so wonderful having an animal that you know is yours.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My parents absolutely; I am 50% my mom and 50% my dad. My mom is really driven and incredibly book smart and she taught me how to be assertive and my own person. My dad is such an intellectual and marches to the beat of his own drum, but I think I benefitted from having the yin and the yang of both of them as influences in my life.
What is a mantra you like to live by?
It’s a quote from a poem called The Laughing Heart, by Charles Bukowski. “You are marvelous / The gods await to delight in you.” I believe in manifestation and that mantra really embodies that.
What is your favorite thing about working at Paddington Station?
On a literal note, I love the fashion. I grew up reading Vogue magazine at the same time as the Little Golden books. Being able to pursue something I’m genuinely passionate about alongside my family is so special. I love working with my mom and the friends along the way that I’ve made. Additionally, the ability to be a part of the institutional memory of this town is just wonderful!
