Monday, April 20, 2026
Walking around the store on the evening of the fundraiser for Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, I can see echoes of what I’ve heard about Samantha Hays Gusher, the third-generation owner of The Phoenix at 1514 Wisconsin Avenue in Georgetown. Her parents started the store in the 50s, sourcing jewelry and clothing largely from Mexico.
“I took over the reins in 2017,” Gusher said as she welcomed people. “It’s still sustainable and environmentally sourced, with an emphasis on fair trade, but I’ve made it a bit more global in nature.”
I saw items from Japan, Brazil, Italy, West Virginia. Unique, but also blending with the surroundings and overall feeling of the store.
“Everything on sale here at the store is here for a reason,” Sam said. “I feel the shop is a vehicle for the community, in our vendor representation but also in our local Georgetown community.”
The special event on the evening of April 16th was made even more special as portions of proceeds went to Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, an organization close to Sam’s heart.
“I have five rescue dogs,” she said, smiling, as she reached down to pat Paisley, an 11-year-old black Lab who was rescued at Lucky Dog. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue is a dedicated volunteer-powered 501©(3) nonprofit committed to rescuing homeless and at-risk cats and dogs.
Flowers were provided by Ultra Violet, and shoppers designed bouquets to take home with their purchases. Bacchus Wine Cellar, Jonathan Willen at Vintage Affairs and Santos Gabriel all contributed to the Lucky Dog benefit.
Photos below by Constance Chatfield-Taylor.