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Stylish Attention to Detail: How Ted Kennedy Watson Curates a Well-Lived Life

69 min • 26 april 2023

Margo is joined by tastemaker, blogger, and author Ted Kennedy Watson. After a childhood spent in Kansas City Ted moved to the Pacific Northwest, first to college in Portland, Oregon, and later to Seattle where he was instantly enchanted by the dramatic scenery. Once a long time tennis teacher and connoisseur of the game, Ted began his career in the visual arts by representing some of the friends and people he knew who were creating interesting objects. In the early 90s, Ted opened a wholesale showroom selling to retailers all over the country. Neiman Marcus, Barney’s, Gump’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom to name a few.

Visitors have been flocking to Watson Kennedy Fine Living in Seattle’s Pike Place Market for 17 years to shop the just-right mix of treasures for the bed, bath, table, and home. The allure continues at its sister store, Watson Kennedy Fine Home, with an even larger selection of furnishings, one-of-a-kind finds, and little luxuries including botanically scented home fragrances and beauty products. From the framed artwork on the walls to the inventive vignettes that fill every corner, both shops are more than simple inventory—they are the expression of a particularly refined point of view, one that has been evolving Watson’s entire life.

Margo and Ted discuss:

How his identity motivated him change career paths
The influence Seattle has had on him and his business
The necessity to always be learning and growing within the retail industry
How he was chosen to be on the creative team for the Bill and Melinda Gates wedding festivities
Repetition: how he’s used it as a tool to gain knowledge on many things
Being an early adapter to blogging
His latest book, Ted Kennedy Watson’s Guide To Stylish Entertaining
Having intention behind everything he does and offers
And so much more