“I want to expand more into men’s, maybe add a few things,” said Robin Weber, new owner of BellaHome. “But we’ll still keep the traditional Bella items.”
BellaHome may have a new owner, but she has a familiar face.
The store, which mother and daughter Carol Everett and Paige Everett Johns have run for the past ten years, will continue under the ownership of seven-year store manager Robin Weber.
“We’ve been in Ridgefield for 10 wonderful years,” Carol Everett said. “Now we’ll be going back to family.” The Everetts will return to their hometown of Dallas, Texas, near their extended family.
Carol and Paige Everett first started the store because “it was always a mother and daughter dream,” the mother said. “We were terrific shoppers. We wanted to try running a store of our own.”
“We chose Ridgefield because we thought demographic was just right, and the location was a great attribute. We were right about that.”
They also “loved feeling part of the community.”
“We’ve been so embraced,” she said. “The town is full of lovely people and many have become so close to us over the years. Gifts happen at momentous occasions, so we’ve felt their joys, their sadnesses…we’ve become great friends over the ten years. We’ve watched people grow up.”
“It’s always about the people,” added Ms. Weber. “They’re the most important part, and the best part.”
Ms. Everett said that BellaHome has fit into “a special niche in the Ridgefield community.”
“Our goal was always to have a store with items in it that we felt were very special. If we wouldn’t have it in our home, we won’t have it here.”
“We’re trying to fill a need,” Ms. Weber added. “We make sure people leave knowing they’re ready, knowing they’ve bought something that’s perfect.”
“There’s magic that happens behind this counter,” she said.
While Ms. Weber plans some changes to the store, she stresses that “Bella will always be Bella.”
“I want to expand more into men’s, maybe add a few things. We’re getting some new items all made in Chicago. But we’ll still keep the traditional Bella items.”
Ms. Weber says she’s excited to take on a larger role in running the store. “This is such a happy place,” she said.
“At Bella, we give the gift of being able to find the perfect gift. I love it here.”
BellaHome at 90 Danbury Road is open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5. For more information: bellahomegifts.com