Tucked away in a quiet courtyard at Ansley Mall in Midtown is Odd McLean, an unassuming gift shop filled with chic accessories and decorative gems for the home. Tabletop displays showcase handblown glassware from Copenhagen, whimsical salt and pepper grinders, delicately stitched cloth cocktail napkins and fragrant skincare products imported from Greece.
“When you walk into my store, it’s like a color bomb,” says owner Kwynn Everest, who single-handedly curates the shop’s dazzling collection of home décor and gift items. “I carry almost 60 different vendors, so people can usually find one or two things that appeal to them.”
The vibrant palette at Odd McLean extends to every nook and cranny of the 1,200-square-foot retail space, which opened in 2022. Despite its unusual moniker, there is nothing strange about the bantam storefront. The name is a tribute to Everest’s grandfather, Odd McLean Stephens, who goes by “Mack” to those who know him. The affable 87-year-old stops by every so often to grab a jar of flavored peanuts, his favorite snack, but otherwise is not part of the venture. His granddaughter runs the show, greeting customers with a warm smile and introducing them to the many treasures on hand.
“I describe it as elevated and elegant yet quirky and approachable,” says Everest of the eclectic and ever-changing inventory. Although shoppers can discover distinctive gift items, ranging from jewelry and handbags to picture frames and decorative accents, sourcing unique pieces for the table is Everest’s sweet spot.
“My husband and I love to travel, and a lot of vendors have come from me stumbling into shops when we’re out of the country,” says the Florida native, who started her career in sales and marketing for Four Seasons hotels. Her finds include everything from emerald glaze stoneware platters to amber resin serving bowls, handblown glass carafes and faux tortoise-handle flatware.
Everest makes a point of meeting store owners and artisans personally, when possible, and appreciates the craftsmanship that goes into many of the items she carries. “It’s so much more enriching getting to know how exactly pieces are made and learning the story behind everything,” she says.
Although she started her career in hospitality, Everest fell in love with the retail world when she and her husband relocated several times early in his career. She often picked up part-time work between corporate jobs and enjoyed engaging with customers and using her creative skills to style in-store displays. “During those times working retail, I was so happy, I was so passionate about it,” Everest recalls. Although she had toyed with the thought of opening a gift shop for several years, when the COVID pandemic brought the world to a halt, she began to pursue the idea in earnest.
“I was sick of looking at my same white plate every single meal, so I went down a rabbit hole of researching Italian painted pottery,” says the mother of two, recalling the frustration she felt while cooped up at home with her family in early 2020. She soon discovered several small brands in the United States and abroad that specialized in handcrafted pieces, and her vision for a retail shop began to take shape.
“I was reflecting back on my experience in retail and how much I loved that environment, and that’s what drove me to open the store,” she says. “I wanted to carry handmade things that took time to create.”
The cheerful shop owner now spends her days helping customers find delightful dinnerware for their own homes, as well as unique hostess gifts and special treasures for newlyweds. “I’ve found people want to hold and touch items, especially glass and plates. You get such a sense of the craftsmanship when you physically hold it,” notes Everest of the groovy goods she sells.
She wants people to enjoy the same high level of customer service through the Odd McLean website, where they can set up an online wedding registry or personal wish list. “If somebody wants to curate items they like, it generates a unique link they can send to friends and family to have a centralized spot for them to shop,” Everest explains.
Last-minute shoppers can also take advantage of same-day courier delivery in Atlanta through the Afloat app for orders placed by 2 p.m. Or customers can order online and choose to pick up their purchase in the store, where it will be wrapped and ready for them.
With the aim of building strong ties to the local community, Odd McLean also hosts an open house every six to eight weeks. Past events have included mixers with the textile brand Sister Parish Design, Soho House social club and women’s apparel retailers like Moosh, Tela Mercantile and Rebecca. “I wanted to have a place we could gather as a community and celebrate new artists,” Everest says, adding, “Even though I don’t carry clothing, it’s fun to help others get their brand name out there, too.”
Later this year, Odd McLean will host two to three holiday pop-ups to gear up for the holiday season. The store frequently donates a portion of profits from holiday shopping events to Atlanta-area nonprofits, Everest says. In the meantime, she is planning her next excursions to find more beautiful curiosities for the shop.
In addition to visiting current vendors in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, she attended the Paris gift show in September and planned to stop in Italy or Spain on the same trip. “When you’re dealing with these mom-and-pop shops, they don’t speak English. It’s been a fun challenge placing orders and getting exactly what I want,” she says with a laugh.
Odd McLean also carries specialty items from creators in the United States, including hand-painted ring dishes from a maker in Montana and pottery from a local artist in Atlanta. “There’s something to be said for supporting people in your backyard,” notes the shopkeeper, adding, “I try to bring in things from all over the place.”
The treasure hunt is part of what keeps Everest inspired, and having a place to share those special gems with customers brings her joy.
“Nothing against the big-box stores, like Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn, but you see that stuff everywhere. It’s fun to have unique pieces that tell a story,” she says. “Even if you only buy two or four plates, it’s jewelry for your table.” Or a meaningful gift for a friend. *
Leslie J. Thompson is a Dallas-based freelance writer with a passion for interior design and international travel. Read more of her work at lesliejthompson.com.
