Janet Walsh puts emphasis on ‘FAM’
While being a musician is a full-time job, for many it’s just not enough to satisfy their creative energy. Such is the case with singer Janet Walsh. Best known as a vocalist with such groups as the Rhythm Makers, the Corvelles and the Lady Luck Revue, Walsh is also behind Ocean Beach clothing boutique Temptress Fashion. Specializing in vintage-inspired fashion, the store opened on Bacon Street in 2005 when space became available adjacent to Spotless Digital, the recording studio of her husband, Brian. On June 25, Temptress Fashion will celebrate its sixth anniversary with a 3 p.m. performance from the Lady Luck Revue as part of the Ocean Beach Street Fair. The store stocks all manner of cool retro-styled clothing for both men and women, pin-up art, and shoes perfect for the rock ’n’ roll aficionado or Betty Page fan, as well as musicians’ accessories like guitar straps. The store is working on its own lingerie line for release later this year. Meanwhile, for men, “We try to offer things that a rock-a-billy fan or maybe someone who rides a motorcycle might enjoy” she said. Walsh proudly stocks local designers and American-made goods, and said she is happy to special-order items. The Lady Luck Revue, dedicated to the sounds of New Orleans, is the Temptress Fashion house band, playing events in the area at venues like Winston’s and Gallagher’s, complete with fashion shows and dancers, to promote the store. “We do events that are themes and we work with dancers like the Caburlesque Kittens,” she said. There are also unique extras like look-a-like contests and pillow fights to make each gig a true event. “We work hard to make these shows something special, not just a typical music concert, but more of a show,” Walsh said. “Our goal is to do more music events to promote the store and take it to more venues. It’s a mix of fashion art and music. We call it ‘FAM’ — one word — because it’s all really connected for us.” She said the combination of band and storefront was not accidental. “Running the boutique is 24/7,” Walsh said. She adds that the biggest drawback to the shop has been the lack of time to use her musical skills. “I know if I don’t do it [perform], I feel empty,” she said. “We have small children and it’s hard. We were finding that we were not making time for music, even just to keep our chops up. And it was making us miserable. So my husband and I decided, as much as we love the store, we also want to nurture our music and where our passion is. So, we decided to tie it together. Why not?” While Walsh could have located a shop anywhere in San Diego, she said Ocean Beach is the perfect location. “We have a clientele from eight to eighty,” she said. “The town is so eclectic, with wonderful people from the locals to the tourists. The networking possibilities are endless.” Walsh arrived in San Diego in August 1999 with a background in voiceover work. “I was from all over. I was an Army brat,” Walsh said. She said she’s thrilled with the move. “I wouldn’t move back to Texas for a million bucks,” she said. “I love San Diego too much. We’re very lucky. We have a really wonderful community that’s very supportive.” She said the support is more important than ever. “Since the economy went down, it’s been a real struggle to survive,” Walsh said. “So it’s nice that we’re in a place that supports mom-and-pop-type businesses.” Temptress Fashion is located at 1918 Bacon St. Visit temptressfashion.blogspot.com.