Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Evans.
Melissa, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved decorating. However, before I began this venture, I was a stay home mom for the last 14 years. Before that, I was a Special Educator and completed my masters in Special Education at Lesley University. Even though, my first love was teaching and working with children and their families, I always enjoyed decorating and acquiring pieces that would accent my home. I have been collecting antiques and unique finds for many years. Three years ago, I began this journey and rented a space in a high end fabric store in Hudson, MA. The owner had just opened an antique/home decorating market in the same building. I remember how nervous and excited I was to take this step. After 2 years of selling, I moved into another vintage market in Norwood with a friend however, when the opportunity presented itself to rent a store front in West Concord I jumped at the chance. I have always loved the feeling of this quaint, cozy town. I also knew there weren’t as many antique, home décor stores in this area and felt this would be a great fit for me.
Starting the business, opening my own store front, decorating a much larger space and ordering through vendors was a whole new world to me. The transition from a booth to a store front has been seamless and I haven’t experienced too many ups and downs yet.
Belle on Heels is a unique store with one of a kind antiques and new items. The store has a French, English and rustic feel. Upon entering Belle on Heels, one can smell the aroma of farm soaps made of goat milk and soy candles that you can’t leave without. We have lots of original art including local artists, artists from the North Shore and all over. The shop carries farm items and architectural pieces locally and from different parts of the world. Every inch of the shop is filled with treasures and even though the space is small it takes several times around to see everything. The response has been incredible and I just love connecting with my customers and building relationships with them. I am always looking for pieces for my clients and designers frequent my store for their clients as well.
The best part about owning my own store is the thrill of the hunt. It’s great to find a piece that is so unusual. I love curating and creating a space so cozy you never want to leave. Picking items that are useful and beautiful is key to creating a unique space. I am enjoying this adventure and hope it lasts for many years.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There hasn’t really been that many struggles and the transition from a booth to opening my own store has been seamless. This experience has been wonderful. One challenge that I will continue to work on is to get my name out there, so people know that my little shop exists.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Belle on Heels French, Vintage, Home – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My company specializes in French and English Antiques and home décor. We also have garden, rustic and unique farm items for the home. What sets us apart from other stores is our unique finds and how we curate the space.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am planning on continuing this journey and hope to increase my business every day. I hope to have more opportunities to decorate clients homes and increase my gardening business as well. With more exposure, I believe this will increase with time.
Contact Info:
- Address: 23 Commonwealth Avenue, West Concord, MA
- Phone: 508 954-9848
- Email: missevans68@yahoo.com
- Instagram: belle_on_heels
- Facebook: belle on heels
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
