Day 37

Italy Ava is now open Monday and welcomes Alison Winkleman

As you read this I'm probably already off to Hilltop Acres getting ready for this grand event..  I feel anxious, excited, worried, relieved, and happy it's finally arrived.. I know this is all you've heard about the last month, so I wanted to take a day of my blog and write about our Monday new employee, Alison Winkleman.  New to Main Street, Italy Ava but Ali did work the holiday season on the 3rd street location. 

Yes, you did hear me right, we are now open Mondays from noon-4pm..  

Alison just isn't an  employee she is a very dear friend to me and pushed and encouraged me to do a business-front with Italy Ava.  She knows my business from the inside out and quite frankly I'm sure gets sick of me bouncing ideas, thoughts, suggestions off of her every visit..  If you haven't already met Alison I promise you'll adore her as much as I do..  She is the nicest, sweetest, and most genuine person..

Ali’s Story

I grew up in Marshall in a house with parents who were always busy doing projects.  They loved to refinish woodwork in our house, buy antiques and fix them up and change any room. I remember a fireplace mantel they purchased that had at least 8 coats of different paint on it and when they refinished it was beautiful with all the detail.  You would never guess it was the same piece.  My parents owned a shop in Ghent where they stripped and refinished furniture as well as sold antiques.  My mom was always rearranging the house and could put something somewhere and it would look perfect.  She definitely has an “eye” for decorating.  Well, I guess you can say it is in my blood as well.  I owned a business with a friend for a few years called Kali Design.  We did decorative painting, rearranging rooms, and buying furniture or décor to transform any room.  It was so fun but when my partner moved we had to end the business.  I still love to help friends with choosing the right paint color, fabric or helping to rearrange a room.

I love all things that deal with the latest styles and trends and mixing old with new to create a unique look in my home or my wardrobe. 

My most important job and love is being a wife and a mom. I have 4 wonderful boys who always keep me busy.  My husband works at US Bank and we have been married for 20 years. 

I am so blessed and excited to be working at Italy Ava and look forward to helping you with anything you need for the home or for your wardrobe. I will be working Mondays from Noon to 4 and would love to see you.