October Member Spotlight

Photo courtesy of: Periwinkles Consignment Boutique

Company: Periwinkles Consignment Boutique
Location: 215 Mason Avenue Cape Charles, VA 23310
Member Since: 2013

What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

I am fortunate to have parents who inspire me in many ways. Two important lessons I learned from them that inspired me to open Periwinkles were that I could be whatever I wanted and that paying full price was not a necessity.

I have always had a passion for the thrill of the hunt and opening a consignment boutique has allowed me to share that passion with others.

My mom introduced me to consignment in the 1970's when shopping resale was not as accepted and trendy as it is today. We frequented wholesale warehouses, swap meets and yard sales and always shopped the sale racks. Years later, after a teaching career and raising our children, I found myself wondering what I would do next. Our children were off to college and teaching/tutoring no longer satisfied me. I had to rediscover what else I was passionate about. I circled back to the passion that was always there and thought strategically about what business could be sustainable on the ESVA.

Coincidentally, the resale industry was booming and continues to do so as I am in my 8th year of business. I opened Periwinkles in 2013 and have been very fortunate to enjoy much success.

How do you define success?

I define success in a couple ways. I believe that success is achieved by discovering your passion and then creating a business so that you can live your passion every day.

When you love what you do, going to "work" is satisfying, exciting and invigorating.

It’s also important to understand that success is not achieved alone. I have had amazing Teams of ladies that have worked together and with me to make Periwinkles the best it can be every day. My current Team includes Joanne Donahue, Diane D’Amico, Jackie Smith, Mary Ann Roehm, Paula Henao and my amazing 87 year old mother in law, Chica Golibart. I am very grateful to each one of them for contributing to our success.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

The best piece of advice I have to give to other businesses is to be OPEN and have consistent hours!

Periwinkles is open 7 days a week year round and our customers appreciate that. They never have to wonder "Is Periwinkles open?" because we have made a commitment year after year to be open and available to our customers every day.

Favorite feature of the Eastern Shore of Virginia?

My favorite feature of the Eastern Shore of VA is the small town LOVE. When I was a child we traveled to VA and I purchased a "Virginia is for Lovers" tshirt. I wore that shirt til it was worn out!

Never would I have believed the foreshadowing that life would deliver. Our LOVE sign at the beach front in Cape Charles is a beautiful reminder every day of the reason I bought that tshirt. The LOVE I feel every day from friends, neighbors, fellow business owners, and customers boosts me up to continue sharing my passion!

Just for fun question - Favorite Breakfast Cereal?

A Taylor Pork Roll, egg and cheese sandwich on an English Muffin. I don't love cereal but if I had to choose I'd choose Peanut Butter Captain Crunch.

Photo courtesy of: Eastern Shore Marketing

Company: Eastern Shore Marketing
Location: 25020 Shore Parkway, Suite 1H, Onley VA
Member Since: 2020

What inspired you to pursue the career you have today?

Real estate is fascinating and I’ve been lucky enough to hold different positions within the industry since 2007.

Last year, I decided to take the leap and start my real estate marketing company. Now I'm able to help agents maneuver through the constant change and new technologies, finding opportunities to grow their business.

How do you define success?

“Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” ~ Maya Angelou

She said it best.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Don’t forget that everyone has a story that made them who they are today.

Favorite feature of the Eastern Shore of Virginia?

My favorite thing about The Shore is the community. The tight knit feeling, saying hello to everyone and anyone and coming together to help each other.

It’s just a great place to live.