Christmas Eve at Bellacara

Good morning and Merry Christmas! Ever since opening the store in 2000, I’ve worked each Christmas Eve. I haven’t always had help on that day. It isn’t easy to find someone willing to work that day and to be honest, I really don’t like asking my staff to anyway.  Many years ago, I had an amazing store manager by the name of Carrie Kusserow. Carrie worked for me while she was in between positions and I was devastated when she finally had to leave to pursue her career. During the time she worked for me she became more of a friend and less an employee. She still comes in to help me merchandise the store a couple times a year. She is a sounding board for me on what lines to bring in and what lines to move out and for the past several years she has come in to work with me on Christmas Eve.It’s always such a fun day. We bring in treats and we play Christmas music. We catch up on what’s happening in each other’s lives and we talk about the year we’ve had. We really enjoy helping everyone with their last-minute gifts. We even have a few Christmas Eve regulars we’ve come to expect.This year I am particularly grateful for her friendship. As I prepare to say goodbye to 2019 and usher in 2020, I am happy to say that this has been the best year in Bellacara history. Not just by the standard business metrics (though those are obviously helpful), but in terms of my amazing staff, our wonderful customers, and the changes we’ve made to the store, both physically and in the lines we offer. I am so happy to be at this store, on this day, with my dear friend, helping my truly wonderful customers.If you happen to be out and about today, please stop in and say hello and share a treat with us. We’d love to see you. I wish you all a very merry holiday season!