After spending nine years pursuing her doctorate and working as an orthopedic and vestibular physical therapist, Sasha opened Azzurra — a dream long held but realized sooner than imagined.
Sasha and her husband, Austin, first met in 2012 while attending Western Washington University. Both grew up in the Pacific Northwest and now, with their young son, they find themselves owning and operating Azzurra on 10th Street — a chapter of life that unfolded unexpectedly and with remarkable serendipity.
The idea for Azzurra grew organically from Sasha’s lifelong love of beautifully curated spaces. Shops like Oblation Papers & Press in Portland, Lucca in Seattle, and Essenza in Fremont helped shape her eye for craftsmanship and storytelling through objects. Her mom’s multi-medium art career nurtured her creativity and eye.
A turning point came in late 2023, when Essenza — a longtime inspiration — closed its doors after 25 years. Around the same time, Sasha and Austin learned they were expecting their first child and discovered that the former Edaleen Ice Cream space in Fairhaven was available for lease. A conversation with Essenza’s owner blossomed into mentorship, and treasured fixtures from the beloved shop now live on in Azzurra — from the Italian fountain to the blue glass shelves and vintage jewelry cases.
Today, Azzurra offers a thoughtful mix of fine and fashion jewelry from artists across the country, imported home goods, clean fragrances, antiques, and storied objects from around the world. Every piece is chosen with intention — whether from the world’s oldest candle maker in France, hand-etched glassware from Mexico, or botanical felt coasters made by Sasha’s mother.
Austin, while completing his master’s in computer science, lends his skills as both CTO and florist — every bouquet in the shop is hand-cut from their South Hill garden. Together, they bring a balance of artistry, logistics, and care to the shop.
Azzurra also carries forward a family legacy. In 1922, Sasha’s maternal great-grandfather, his sister, and mother opened Basil’s — a dry goods store in downtown Bellingham (where the current parking lot is located next to The Pickford). The shop’s original black-and-white checkered floor inspired them to preserve the checkered floor of the former ice cream parlor that is now Azzurra.
Nestled between beloved Fairhaven neighbors like Magdalena’s Creperie, Warhammer, and Iron Rooster Bakery, Azzurra aims to be a space of light, beauty, and belonging — a place where people can slow down, discover something unexpected, and feel inspired.
Azzurra opened in June 2025.
