Thanks to American Express for sponsoring my writing today about small businesses. American Express is presenting Small Business Saturday, a way to honor the local merchants who are the backbone of the economy, this Saturday, November 27. They’re offering statement credits to people who shop at small businesses, advertising for small-business owners, and donations to Girls Inc. for “Likes” of the Small Business Saturday page on Facebook. Join the celebration by clicking the “Like” button and then visiting the Facebook page to learn more about the program and read the terms and conditions that apply.Now onto my favorite small busines…
My introduction to my new town 2 years ago was an invite to a “private shopping event”. For a girl who was intimidated by her new life in the ‘burbs of NYC, I was thrilled at the idea of being invited, but terrified about meeting new (stylish New York-type) people for the first time at something that was so foreign to me and frankly sounded way above my pay grade. I went anyway and thank goodness I did because not only did I meet new friends, but I walked into what continues to be my favorite place in this town to this day.
Carla Gizzi is both the name of the store and the amazing woman who runs it. Make no mistake, both store and lady are classy and fun. The store Carla Gizzi is warm and welcoming and full of so many treasures it would take a normal person hours of wandering to ensure she finds everything she’ll quickly finds she needs. There is amazing jewelry, adorable hand-stitched baby items, and charming or quirky housewares. Carla Gizzi the store is also home to the Lollia lotions and candles that I have written about here before. To say the store is charming, is true but it’s also not enough. Carla Gizzi is the type of place I am excited to bring visitors when they come to town. It just makes me happy and proud to live here. My college roommate explained it best when she walked in and gasped saying,” it is as if all the lovely things I carry in my brain exploded all over this place.” Eloquent words? Maybe not, but they are spot on in their description. Carla Gizzi is a place you just want to spend a lot of time and you can’t quite explain exactly why.
Perhaps the explanation is the herself. Carla Gizzi the lady is as charming and lovely and warm as all that she carries in her store. Carla is one of those people who you are sure remembers not only you, but your taste, style and everything you’ve ever bought from her. She knows her customers well. She has an incredible eye and she uses it to buy inventory with her customers in mind. Carla treats everyone who walks through the door as if they are a visitor in her home.You leave pleased with your purchases and feeling like you are appreciated.
Carla’s warmth even transcends cyber space as her top notch customer service and integrity carry over to her online presence as well. If you can’t make it to Red Bank, or her new location in Asbury Park, you can find all (or most) of the treasures Carla has collected for you online at Carla Gizzi dot com.
I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective ,which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.
