Seeing the Beauty Within Us All

From the moment you walk in to Through the Looking Glass, you are greeted warmly by either Ricci or her right hand lady, Sheila and you literally feel welcomed.

While it was always a dream for Ricci to own a jewelry store, what is clear after you meet her, is she is living her purpose through it!

From a kind word, to a warm smile, Ricci is intentional to serve and lift up every person who walks through her door.

That, my friends, is success! I am so excited to share the conversation I had with Ricci, it left me feeling inspired and thankful to know such an amazing woman!

How did all this begin?

"When my daughter attended Rollins, I came to visit every month. I would joke with my husband that we would move here, I would get a part time job and live stress free! We made the decision to do just that and move here in 2005.

There was a wonderful jewelry store on Park Ave at the time and I was hired immediately.

After just 6 months, I was recruited to work for Babies R Us in Sarasota teaching baby safety classes.

When the store closed, my husband saw the opportunity for me to realize my life long dream of owning my own jewelry store and we jumped at the opportunity! We just celebrated 11 years in this location on March 12!"

What was the inspiration and meaning behind Through the Looking Glass?

"We have always carried fashion jewelry and accessories. I also wanted to thread helping the community into the store and support other businesses. We carry other brands, all incredible and women owned like The Darling Clutch Co, Winter Park Candle Co and Earthgirl.

I am so blessed and feel it is a responsibility to give back, helping other women just as I was helped.

The story behind the name has nothing to do with Alice in Wonderland!

Our Motto is "See the beauty within” to see past the surface, what's in the looking glass. Inside of everyone, there is a story. We are all meant to make a difference, not to judge, to welcome everyone. "

Wow can you imagine if every store had that mission!

"What is so important to me, what I pray every day, is to make a difference in someone's life. And you can! By a gift, a word, smile, something little, can make a difference in someone's life. You never know what and when it can impact someone else, you don't always know what they are going through."

She eloquently put into words the purpose of life! This is bigger than the beautiful store, it is the power of love, it is Ricci!

How have you seen things change with COVID?

"I've seen a different side of people. During the holidays, I can't tell you how many people came to the store, not needing something but bought anyway because they wanted me to stay here and the store to stay open! I have seen the goodness in people.

COVID has brought that out. Our goal is to be here, to keep doing what we are doing.

All the store owners have become closer as well, getting to know each other. We work together to take care of customers. We help and serve each other on another level. Our relationships have gotten stronger.

Owners that I didn't know well have evolved into friendships!"

People see now what matters, even through the mask. To do something kind, say something kind. It can make a difference!

What are your Goals for 2021?

"Honestly, to keep doing what I am doing. I am happy every single day. I feel blessed because I am!

People ask me if I am going to retire and I tell them, why? I am doing what I love!

I do have thoughts one day of expanding to open another store in Tennessee. When the time is right. "

If you know Ricci, you know that is the other place where her heart is and she visits often. Her face lights up talking about the other loves in her life, her incredible son, daughter and amazing grandchildren, Hawkeye and Hero.

I bet they already know what an amazing lady their Mom and Grandmother is. I certainly do! I am so thankful to have gotten to know her and to see what an angel on earth really looks like. Ricci you are heaven sent!

Through The Looking Glass

110 N. Park Ave

Winter Park, FL 32789

Phone:321-972-3985

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