Located in the heart of Mt. Vernon, Strongbox has made 802 St. Paul Street home since opening in January. Offering an impressive collection of local artisan and vintage goods, Strongbox is truly a unique shopping experience that can’t be missed. We met up with Joseph Gouse (co-owner of Strongbox) to talk shop, inspiration, and guilty pleasures.
1. How would you best describe Strongbox in one sentence?
JG: Where art and home meets.
2. Who is your style inspiration/icon?
JG: Grace Jones.
3. What is your favorite item currently in the store?
JG: This purple Finnish water pitcher.
4. What is your guilty pleasure?
JG: Doughnuts.
5. How did you get the name for the boutique?
JG: Just a general term so we don’t have to fit a certain mold. It allows us to change and grow.
6. What is you current favorite trend? What is your current least favorite trend?
JG: My least favorite is that wearing sundresses-without-bras thing or the sheer sundresses with bold underwear showing through. My favorite is fringe. I feel like it adds flair.
Our Top Three Picks: 
(From left to right: Bauhaus salt & pepper shaker set, $15; vintage beaded headpiece, $30; shoe lace bracelets, $10)