A Hudson Valley Skin Care Interview with Stephen and Frankie
When you walk into Solstad House on Beacon's Main Street, you're not just entering another boutique, you're stepping into a carefully curated space built on intention, community, and a deep love for senior rescue dogs. We interviewed the duo behind this beloved shop to talk about their background, love for the Hudson Valley, and how they choose what products to carry.
About Solstad House
For anyone new to Solstad House, can you tell us a little about who you are and how the shop came to be?
"When we moved to Beacon in 2018, we decided to establish a business that would connect us to our new community, while also raising awareness and funds for senior-aged dog rescue," they share. "Since Stephen had a retail background and Frankie had an entrepreneurial background, it made sense that we would opt for a retail business."
The mission is personal: the couple shares their home with a five-member pack of senior rescue dogs. Solstad House isn't just about selling beautiful things— it's about creating community and supporting the causes they care about.
What drew you to the Hudson Valley, and how has it shaped Solstad House?
"Stephen is from Asheville, NC and Beacon has a similar vibe," Frankie explains. "We lived in Brooklyn for many years and were making a lot of trips to Asheville to visit family. But we both started craving a cool, small town on a more permanent basis."
A weekend exploratory trip to Beacon sealed the deal. The town's creative energy, proximity to nature, and tight-knit community made it the perfect place to put down roots and build something meaningful.
Slow Starts & Intentional Routines
Running a small business in the Hudson Valley means balancing hustle with intention—something Stephen and Frankie have mastered.
What does a slow or intentional start to the day look like for you?
"A no-rush shower, followed by feeding our 5-member pack of senior aged rescue dogs." It's a simple routine, but one that grounds them before the day begins.
Are there any small daily rituals that help you feel grounded, especially in winter?
"I wouldn't say we have anything that looks like a daily 'ritual,' but we embrace and celebrate winter, especially January," Frankie says. "It's the month that people seem to dread the most because it comes with post-holiday blues and cold weather."
Their counter-strategy? Leaning into the season rather than fighting it. "We plan lots of get-togethers with friends, regular trips to our cozy Catskills cottage, and spot discounts throughout our store as part of our 'January Magic' promotion."
Curation & Creating Welcome
Walk into Solstad House and you'll immediately notice the thoughtfulness behind every product on the shelf. But what actually makes it onto those shelves?
When you're curating products for the shop, what matters most to you?
"Our NUMBER ONE qualifier is that we have to like the product ourselves," Frankie emphasizes. "We carry Hudson Valley Skin Care not only because it's local, but also because we like to use it. We can stand by recommending it to our customers."
How do you decide what's worth bringing into your space—and what isn't?
"We have to like it ourselves and we have to feel a comfort level with the makers and vendors," they explain. "Also, our vendor partners have to be able to fill and ship quickly and accurately. Not having reorders filled in a timely manner will cost us sales, and with a small business, it's not feasible."
But there's one non-negotiable that sets Solstad House apart: affordability.
"We ABSOLUTELY REQUIRE AFFORDABILITY, we don't believe having a locally-centric, independent business means that we have to be prohibitively expensive."
What makes a space feel welcoming to you?
"For me, a welcoming space is full of life and intention. Colorful, varied product offerings, great music playlists, and an engaging staff that is tuned into Beacon's local flavor are all super important."
Seasonal Living & the Hudson Valley
Winter in the Hudson Valley isn't something to endure, it's something to embrace.
What do you love most about winter in the Hudson Valley?
"So many cozy restaurants, bars, and cafes with a gorgeous backdrop of nature," they share. "The Hudson Valley is ideal escapism that fully embraces 'winter core.'"
How does the slower pace of this season influence the way you work or live?
"It gives us time to pretty much plan the rest of the year," Frankie explains. "The pace shifts quickly in March, so it's great to be fully prepared with timely merchandise rotations."
The winter slowdown isn't a problem to solve, it's an opportunity to prepare, reflect, and set intentions for the year ahead.
Is there a Hudson Valley moment or place that feels especially grounding to you?
"Beacon, of course! Our little city has almost a 'too good to be true' quality. So many artists, creators, and just fun people."
Simplicity & Care
When it comes to skincare, Stephen and Frankie know exactly what they like.
When it comes to skincare, do you gravitate toward simpler routines?
"Simple, easy products that don't dry out the skin," Frankie shares. "We are also big on beautiful, organic scents. Heavy-handed, cloying, fake scents are a huge turn-off."
"We went through a lot of products before we settled on our vendor partnership with Hudson Valley Skin Care, and you check all the boxes!"
Are there any fragrance-free or gentle products you find yourself reaching for more in winter?
"I'd say we prefer fragranced to non-fragranced, and in winter we love the Sandalwood and herbal scents."
It makes sense, winter in the Hudson Valley calls for grounding, earthy notes that feel cozy without being overwhelming.
Looking Ahead
What's one thing you're intentionally making space for this year?
"More online promotions for our loyal customers," Frankie shares. "Our brick and mortar shop is fairly self-sufficient at this point, so we want to spend more time reaching customers that can't make a physical appearance in our shop."
It's the next evolution for Solstad House, bringing the same intentional curation and community spirit to customers beyond Beacon's Main Street.
Shop Hudson Valley Skin Care at Solstad House
You can find our full collection at Solstad House in Beacon, NY, curated by people who actually use (and love) what they sell.
Solstad House
474 Main Street, Beacon, NY 12508
Visit their website | @solstadhouse on Instagram
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Into The Valley is our series celebrating the makers, retailers, and suppliers who make Hudson Valley skincare possible. Know someone we should feature? Email us.
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