Many things on Instagram make me want to improve my parenting, particularly when it comes to musical education. As a child, I loved music and still delusionally insist that if my parents had pushed me harder, I’d be a Mozart level musician. My silly grievances aside, the Instagram reels of hard-working children caught my eye because of their impressive musical performances but also their shared enrollment at The Chase Conservatory.
But this post isn’t about music or parenting. It’s about Chase Ludeau, the founder of Chase Conservatory, and what happened when he decided to step away from the world he had devoted so many years to building. In the hopes of creating a new life chapter, Ludeau sold the successful conservatory to colleagues and turned his attention toward a few latent creative talents of his own.
No longer running a music school, he got bored quickly and learned to sew. It turns out, he is pretty good at it. In short order, his hobby pillow making grew into a custom business in need of more space. When he was tipped off by a fellow Magazine Street merchant that the former Babe space was opening up, he seized the opportunity. Wasting no time, he used himself as the project manager and gave the space a much needed glow up. The floors had to be redone, and the interior walls painted a more dark and moody color.
As many creative pursuits often do, his initially conceived pillow emporium quickly morphed into the acquisition of other beautiful things. In addition to pillow and fabric offerings, Chase bought hand-painted vases, fragrances, lamps. With a new, broader vision his shop, Maison Ludeau was born. He says, “The vibe became curated French opulence with a modern twist. Think decadent sheepskins, animals print, florals, texture. It’s a mix that doesn’t really exist here yet.”
Chase is in the shop most days, perched in the corner sewing pillows. He says, “ I just love sitting and chatting with people while I’m sewing.” The hand made pillows in sumptuous fabrics by Scalmandre, Schumacher and Romo will be plentiful but he plans to add an even more diverse array of products soon. When asked which products he’s most giddy about Chase offers, “I’m very excited about carrying the Réserve in Afrique fragrances. They are very unique and special; we are one of only four stockists in the US.” Among other favorites are candles from Saint Candles and the Spanish brand, Cereria Molla. Be on the lookout for a custom jewelry line and more fabric selections in the near future.
With playful excitement and pun fully intended, Chase is curating a shop with a jazz symphony of beautiful ideas. Using the pillows as his basic orchestra and willingness to improv with any other fascinating things he comes across.
Sale & Event Picks:
Sept. 3, 5-7 p.m.: Sip and Shop, Browse Auction Items and Shop Bellflower, Crescent City Auction
Sept. 7: Labor Day Sale, 10-75% off, Earthsavers
Sept. 12: SAUV Pop Up, Jean Therapy
