Today we’d like to introduce you to Colleen Perry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Colleen. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
One day a mother and daughter duo decided to open a unique shopping experience and Brissonté Gifts & Home Decor was born. We began in the Old Cotton Weaving House located in an old mill in Lawrence, MA. Our first three years were spent in this beautiful antique building but we soon realized we needed to move to grow. In 2011, we moved to North Reading. This location was closer to Boston and located in a lovely mall with other similar businesses. As we continued to grow over the next eight years, we knew it was time to look for a larger location. So, in April of this year, we took the leap and moved to a 4,000 sq. ft. location just a few doors down the road.
Wow! Can I say how wonderful it is to have space! Space for our Annie Sloan Chalk Paint(r) Workshops. Space for all our beautiful Home Decor. Space to create and design beautiful displays featuring our handpicked home decor and gifts. Space to create custom painted furniture for customers. Space to offer special events. Space to decorate for the Seasons.
Next year will be our 12th year! It’s exciting and challenging but I love it!
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?
Funny you should ask that. We open in 2007 and 2008 was a terrible year for businesses. We laughed about it as we had nothing to measure 2008 by. We laughed and told each other if we could make it through the worst we could make it through anything.
Then, the move to North Reading was difficult because we lost most of our customer base. Most people are reluctant to travel out of their comfort zone. I immediately joined the Reading North Reading Chamber of Commerce to get my feet wet and become a part of the community.
The move to our larger location has had its hiccups too. After eight years our customers knew where to find us. Now, they need to learn our new address.
Retail is so very connected to the heartbeat of the economy. When it goes down, so does retail. Riding those ups and downs can be challenging.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Brissonté is dedicated to inspiring life of beauty and creativity. We offer a unique blend of gifts, home decor, vintage and one of a kind items. Decorate-Design-Inspire is our motto!
We specialize in our fun and educational workshops featuring Annie Sloan Chalk Paint(r). We design and create custom signs, pillows, and wreaths. We also offer custom painting services for clients who would like their furniture transformed. These are some of the things that set us apart from the big box stores. It is so important to let each customer know they are appreciated and valued and we strive to create an outstanding shopping experience.
I am most proud of all that we give back to our community. We donate to schools and non-profit organizations with raffle prizes to help them raise money and awareness for local causes.
What were you like growing up?
As a child, I remember my grandfather asking me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I must have been about 10 years old. I told him I want to own my own store. He chuckled and asked what I would name it. I told him, Harts. Clearly, this has been a long time dream for me.
I love to sew, decorate, create and read. I am quite the dreamer. I always have ideas and my brain does not rest. I laugh and say that my lists have listed. Truly not much has changed from the little girl to the woman of today. I still love the same things and often you will find me in my studio sewing or creating my newest idea.
Pricing:
- Custom Zip code Pillows $39 to $49
- Custom Seasonal Wreaths $49 to $75
- Annie Sloan Workshop $49 to $95
Contact Info:
- Address: 157D Main Street
- Website: www.brissonte.com
- Phone: 9782071853
- Email: brissonte@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/brissonte
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brissonte
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Brissonte/
Image Credit:
Brissonte Gifts & Home Decor
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