Collectors Gene Radio: Camilla Marcus – Founder of Westbourne
Host: Cameron Ross Steiner
Release Date: January 29, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Collectors Gene Radio, host Cameron Ross Steiner sits down with Camilla Marcus, the innovative founder of Westbourne. Camilla embodies the fusion of sustainability, community, and the art of collecting, offering listeners an insightful exploration into her passions and philosophies. The conversation delves deep into how Camilla's upbringing, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to environmental stewardship shape her unique approach to collecting and business.

Camilla Marcus's Background and Sustainability Journey

Camilla Marcus's commitment to sustainability and environmental activism traces back to her childhood in Los Angeles, California. Raised in a state responsible for two-thirds of the country's produce, Camilla was immersed in a culture of farmers markets, composting, and a close-knit relationship with farmers. Her neighbor, Mrs. Gooch, a pioneer of the natural grocery movement later acquired by Whole Foods, profoundly influenced her early years.

Camilla Marcus [02:37]:
"Growing up in Los Angeles and in California… was very much like the air we breathe, the water we drink. It just was there."

Camilla's activism began early; as a nine-year-old, she wrote letters to Congress and the President advocating for animal welfare and environmental sustainability. These formative experiences instilled in her a deep sense of responsibility and the belief that individual voices can drive change.

Westbourne: Innovation and Sustainability

Westbourne, originally New York City’s first Zero Waste certified restaurant, has evolved into a regenerative provisions brand under Camilla's leadership. Her approach to business is marked by a refusal to accept the status quo and a relentless pursuit of sustainability. This ethos was a key factor in her being named one of Fast Company's most creative people in business.

Camilla Marcus [05:12]:
"I never take things as a given. I don't accept the status quo at all… We built a restaurant from scratch based on values I found essential."

Westbourne's operations reflect this commitment, from composting practices established before municipal programs to completely plastic-free policies. Camilla emphasizes a rotational labor model, fostering a generalist mindset and empathy among team members, which contributes to a resilient and innovative workplace culture.

Camilla Marcus [08:30]:
"I don't live with a playbook. I love constant feedback, and I'm very game to change what I'm doing."

The Art of Collecting: Vinyl Records, Sign Menus, and Ceramics

Camilla's passion for collecting is not just a hobby but an extension of her values and lifestyle. She curates collections of vinyl records, sign menus, and ceramics, each reflecting her dedication to sustainability, mindfulness, and community.

Vinyl Records

Vinyl records set the tone for Westbourne’s gatherings, capturing the essence of different moments and memories. Camilla values music that speaks to her soul, prioritizing the artist and the music over album art aesthetics.

Camilla Marcus [15:52]:
"No, no, it's definitely music. Musician first and then, you know, version of the album, things like that."

Sign Menus

Camilla began collecting sign menus as a way to archive Westbourne’s identity and experiences. Each menu is uniquely framed to reflect the restaurant's vibe and serves as a personal memory archive of special moments and relationships.

Camilla Marcus [22:11]:
"Each menu we frame completely uniquely… It has to evolve and move."

Ceramics

Her ceramics collection embodies mindful craftsmanship and the organic, handmade ethos of Westbourne. Pieces are often sourced from Brooklyn makers, flea markets, and gifted by friends, making each item a story in itself.

Camilla Marcus [17:51]:
"It's very non-matching sets and certain things become almost dead stock… All lives in those objects."

Philosophy Behind Collections: Community and Sustainability

Camilla views her collections as more than just objects; they are narratives that connect her to people and moments. Her approach emphasizes the stories and the individuals behind each item, fostering a sense of community and shared experience.

Camilla Marcus [10:19]:
"There's a story and a person behind every single piece… It's about people who grow our food and people who tend to our land."

This philosophy extends to her business practices, where relationships and community networks are prioritized over transactional interactions. Camilla believes that fostering genuine connections leads to greater impact and sustainability.

Preservation and Generational Aspects

Camilla’s approach to preservation balances honoring the past with the necessity of letting go. In her business, this manifests as upcycling and seasonally appropriate practices. Similarly, in her collecting habits, she values quality and meaningfulness over hoarding, teaching her children the importance of responsibility and the transient beauty of objects.

Camilla Marcus [31:30]:
"Preservation is about upcycling, preventing waste and carrying on a season… but also about letting go."

Collaborations in Collecting and Business

Collaborations are a cornerstone of Camilla’s work, both in her business and her collections. By partnering with diverse creators and organizations, she fosters innovation and keeps her projects dynamic and unexpected.

Camilla Marcus [33:35]:
"I love bringing people from different industries to do a product that's sort of unexpected and interesting."

However, Camilla notes that such genuine collaborations are becoming rarer in today's commerce-driven environment, where partnerships often prioritize buzz and financial gain over creative synergy.

Future of Collecting and Personal Interests

Looking ahead, Camilla is passionate about expanding her vintage car collection, envisioning a garage filled with restored classics that can be a long-term family project. Her enthusiasm for the hunt—the thrill of finding and negotiating for unique pieces—drives her collecting habits more than the possession itself.

Camilla Marcus [49:16]:
"The hunt, of course… It’s an obsession for sure."

She dreams of acquiring vintage Porsches and OG Land Rovers, aiming to restore and integrate them into her active lifestyle rather than keeping them as static displays.

Conclusion

Camilla Marcus exemplifies the Collector’s Gene through her integrative approach to collecting, business, and sustainability. Her collections are not mere accumulations but living narratives that reflect her commitment to community, environmental stewardship, and the beauty of imperfection. Camilla’s story is a testament to how the Collector’s Gene can drive meaningful connections and innovative practices, making her a standout figure in both the collecting and sustainability landscapes.

Camilla Marcus [51:58]:
"It's such a joy… collaboration brings out the best in each other."

As Camilla continues to lead Westbourne and expand her personal collections, her holistic philosophy promises to inspire collectors and entrepreneurs alike to embrace the intertwining of passion, sustainability, and community.

Notable Quotes:

• Camilla Marcus [02:37]:
  "Growing up in Los Angeles and in California… was very much like the air we breathe, the water we drink. It just was there."

• Camilla Marcus [05:12]:
  "I never take things as a given. I don't accept the status quo at all…"

• Camilla Marcus [10:19]:
  "There's a story and a person behind every single piece…"

• Camilla Marcus [22:11]:
  "Each menu we frame completely uniquely…"

• Camilla Marcus [31:30]:
  "Preservation is about upcycling, preventing waste and carrying on a season…"

• Camilla Marcus [33:35]:
  "I love bringing people from different industries to do a product that's sort of unexpected and interesting."

• Camilla Marcus [49:16]:
  "The hunt, of course… It’s an obsession for sure."

• Camilla Marcus [51:58]:
  "It's such a joy… collaboration brings out the best in each other."

This episode offers a profound look into how one individual's passion for collecting intertwines with broader themes of sustainability, community, and innovation, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts and entrepreneurs alike.