Lady in Red: The Creative Life of Shirley Jensen

In a town defined by charm and cloaked in history, Shirley Jensen has managed something remarkable—she's stayed not only present but relevant for over six decades in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Her shop, Forget Me Nots, is more than a boutique—it’s a living archive of taste, memory, and enduring design.

I first met Shirley on a quiet afternoon while wandering through the storybook streets of Carmel. Drawn by instinct and the irresistible invitation of a half-open Dutch door, I peeked inside and was immediately transported. The space felt like the curated attic of a French country estate—part gallery, part greenhouse, part storybook dream.

Inside, French antiques mingled with fresh floral artwork. A custom cabinet glowed with Italian pewter. Faience pottery was arranged with effortless balance alongside rustic patio tables and teetering stacks of well-loved books. It was the sort of shop that doesn’t just welcome you—it embraces you. It felt like home.

Growing up with a mother who ran a country French antique shop, I recognized the beautiful organized chaos—that delicate mess that only true creatives seem to master. Behind the counter, two women sat mid-conversation, sipping tea from porcelain cups, framed by the view of a gnarled oak tree through the back window. One of them was Shirley. The other, her daughter Krista. Nearby, a small pup dozed on a custom-upholstered ottoman. It felt less like entering a store and more like being invited into someone’s deeply personal world.

That half hour I spent in the shop became an unexpected portal into the life of a woman whose creative journey has quietly shaped the aesthetic soul of Carmel.

Shirley Jensen’s story is one that blends vision, adaptability, and authenticity. She arrived in Carmel over 60 years ago and never left. From her early days as a young mother who loved to bake, to a stint as a designer for the iconic Four Sisters Inn, to the three evolutions of Forget Me Nots across the village, Shirley has woven herself into the fabric of this seaside town.

Today’s shop may be her smallest yet, but it’s perhaps the most distilled version of her aesthetic—a perfect blend of refined and rustic, old-world elegance, and lived-in charm. “Downsizing,” she told me, “doesn’t mean downgrading.” And she means it. There’s nothing diminished about the space. Rather, it feels purposeful, focused, and curated with intention.

And she hasn’t stopped designing. Her clientele stretches far beyond Carmel—up the Northern Coast of California and beyond. Whether she’s selecting antique tile for a coastal cottage or curating bespoke table settings for a private residence, Shirley’s sensibility remains rooted in timeless design with an eye toward quiet luxury.

It’s not just her taste that’s memorable—it’s Shirley herself. Standing at just around five feet tall, her presence fills the room like someone twice her size. Her signature red glasses frame a face that’s expressive and knowing, and, much like Dorothy’s ruby slippers, they feel iconic—wholly her. In fact, I struggle to think of another single fashion item I’ve ever seen worn with such effortless continuity and identity. To meet Shirley is to remember her.

There’s a reason why people keep returning to her—why Forget Me Nots has become more than a shop, and why Shirley is so deeply tied to the cultural texture of Carmel. She brings with her not just style, but history, warmth, and stories that transcend trend.

In an age of fast interiors and forgettable design, Shirley Jensen offers something increasingly rare: enduring beauty that evolves without losing its soul. Her shop is a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with the deeper rhythms of Carmel. You won’t find QR codes and digital catalogs here. Instead, you’ll find a story in every corner, a memory in every object, and the kind of welcome that turns strangers into regulars.

Shirley Jensen has not only weathered the changes of time—she has designed her way through them with grace, grit, and her signature crimson spectacles. In doing so, she’s built more than a brand. She’s built a legacy.