New shop fuses fashion, furniture

By Gloria Young

Journal Staff Writer

Eclectic finds, fashions and exotic teas are the latest addition to Central Square in Auburn.

Local entrepreneur Anthony Sadeghi opened Karma Goods this weekend.

It is his third business in the area. He also owns Karma Café on Sutter Street in Old Town Folsom and Gelayo, a frozen yogurt shop, on Auburn Folsom Road in Granite Bay.

The Auburn store has mix of jewelry, handbags, glassware and furniture items.

There’s even a tall fireplace that came from an old home in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights.

Fireplaces are a favorite with him, and he has them in all his stores, Sadeghi said.

Art is another major focus. Sadeghi already has collected numerous pieces, including several miniature works done by a Cameron Park artist.

“I want to support local artists,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to participating in this season’s art walks.

He’s also planning to accept small jewelry and art consignments.

A section in an alcove of the store is devoted to teas. Sadeghi is putting together a display of a couple of dozen dry tea varieties. He also keeps a pot of hot tea perking, ready for customers to sample, he said.

Some of the items are getting a second incarnation. Sadeghi has refurbished bed frames as signs for the store.

“In this economy, you have to be creative,” he said.

The suggestion to open the Downtown Auburn business came from customers at his Folsom café. After he thought about the idea, he decided to pursue it.

Auburn’s distinctive appeal was a deciding factor. He grew up in Bournemouth, England and said Auburn reminds him of his hometown.

“It has the same Victorian feel, the same gorgeous buildings,” he said.

He’s also impressed with the friendly atmosphere.

“To me, Auburn is the best kept secret,” he said.

Sadeghi said he is looking forward to being part of the Auburn community.

“I like to participate,” he said.

Once it becomes established, Sadeghi has more plans for the store. He said he’d like to bring in live music and hopes to use a room in the back for classes on selecting teas, spiritual themes and other topics.

Initially he had hoped to have a café at the site, but has put that on hold because of the expense of adding a commercial kitchen.

In addition to his business interests, Sadeghi is a professional photographer.

Next door at Kids Closet, employee Michele Sardella said she loves the idea of the new store.

“They’re very nice people,” she said. “We think that type of business will be a wonderful addition to Downtown Auburn and a real asset to the plaza. It will be another business draw for shopping during events.”