"We all wanted a place where our friends could come"

The Power of 3!

I LOVE the number 3 for so many reasons. It is such a powerful number, from the spiritual to universal. It is the first number to which the meaning “all” was given.

It is no accident then, that this powerful number is associated with some really incredible ladies who in their 30 year friendship, have created the success story that is Arabella. A place where customers become friends and everyone is family!

Located on Morse Ave, the quaint side street off Park Ave, it doesn't take long to realize when you step inside, there is something special about it. From all the fabulous clothing lines, jewelry, shoes and accessories, I literally find something for myself or for a gift every time I walk in! The reason? Arabella reflects everything about Pam, Sue and Sharon. The words charm, fun, family, friendship and most importantly, love come to mind. You may go to buy a cool shirt or dress from Arabella, and but you go back because of these ladies!

I was so excited to learn their back story and how all the details came together to create their successful store. We sat down on a Thursday afternoon to talk about it all:

What led you to open Arabella?

"We had all worked together in another retail shop and had become even closer over the years. Having children all within the same ages (11 between the 3 of us!), we all became empty nesters at the same time. When the space and time opened up in our lives, we started to think about having a business of our own. A place where we could create everything we had talked about over the years.

Opportunity came when a space became available. We met with the landlord, discussed over a few drinks at Prato and all agreed to take it! "

I love how they didn’t hesitate, they took action! After signing the lease they put a plan in place. Together they did it all, from creating their business plan, to reconfiguring the store, layout and design. They went to their first market in October and opened black Friday, November 2015.

How did you decide on the name?

"We wanted a feminine name, separate from any of our families names.

We have always had an angel in the store and when we came across the name Arabella, which means “answered prayer”, we all felt so drawn to it. The timing of finding the space, location, it all felt right."

How have you seen things change since COVID?

"After being closed for 2 months last year and the set backs of important events like the Art Festival being cancelled, our customers continue to support us. They are committed to shopping local and that keeps pulling us through.

We knew we had to adjust and constantly refocus on what customers wanted.

We created new shopping opportunities, offering gift cards to customers to purchase and use when we reopened. It was a mutual commitment, that we would be here for them and they would be here for us.

Grandmothers corner came about because we all became grandmothers within 2 months of each other 2 years ago! Now we have a special place in the store to that offers fun gifts for so many of our friends who are also becoming first time grandmothers."

Their tag line printed on the bottom of every bag could not be more true today than when they created it. It says "Never let anyone dull your SPARKLE". A gift that Pam, Sue and Sharon want to leave with every customer. that no one, not even COVID can steal your joy!

What goals have you set for this year?

"With all the markets having changed from COVID, we are adjusting to what customers are looking for. It's all about a comfort casual look, keeping things classy but with a comfortable flair.

To cater to this new industry that has emerged, we are fine tuning the online shopping experience for our customers. We want to balance both and offer a great experience whether customers are online or in store.

A great outcome from COVID was the formation of the Park Ave District. It was created to enhance the Avenue through historical preservation, small business support, joint marketing efforts and special events. All the shops have banded together and we have formed great relationships, some with owners we did not know before COVID. We all recommend stores to help customers find what they are look for, sending each other business."

It was clear to me in meeting these amazing ladies, they are committed to doing what it takes, even being out of their comfort zone to keep Arabella moving forward. They are classy, gutsy and have true grit.

Not only do I see the doors staying open, I think they will crush their goals this year and be more successful than ever! With love as the driving force behind everything they do, anything is possible.

Arabella

115 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789

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