<b>Owner: </b>
Debra Monahan
<b>Short bio: </b>
My parents grew up in Brooklyn and moved to eastern Long Island in 1971 when I was 2 years old. There must have been a bit of culture shock moving to an area then surrounded by farmland, but I suppose they just wanted their daughter to breathe fresh air and play on grass instead of concrete. I spent my entire life living on Long Island moving closer to New York City as I got older.
<b>Why did you choose this particular business? </b>
As a young girl, I dreamed of opening a gift store (a Hallmark store to be exact). I reveled in the idea of having a store where people would come in and thoughtfully pick out a gift or card for a loved one. Those dreams easily gave way to a master's degree in business and a successful 15-year history in Business-to-Business corporate sales in New York. In March of 2005 at the bequest of my fiancé, Darryel (who was offered a new opportunity with the FAA in D.C.) we moved to Old Town. I continued to work for my New York firm and had aspirations of moving back to New York within two years. It took only six months in Old Town before we both fell in love with the D.C. area and Old Town community — it became my muse and inspiration for opening that gift store I had dreamed about. On Nov. 20, 2006 my dream became a reality; not with a Hallmark store but with a self-conceived gallery/gift store filled with unique hand crafted items. I choose most items for the store based on their ability to: inspire, provoke thought or bring about a smile (better yet, a laugh) — hence "Gifts with Purpose". You'll find the atmosphere to be a happy one — the store is filled with bright wall colors such as lapis blue, tangerine, banana yellow and apple green (I have Angela Duff, an area interior designer, to thank for choosing the colors) that converge on the senses before you have an opportunity to discover the merchandise — most of which is colorful as well.
My family and longtime friends all continue to live in New York. They come here to visit quite often and I put the bug in their ears about moving here every chance I get. I'm convinced I'll wear them down at some point and get a few to move here!
<b>Why did you choose to work for yourself rather than as an employee for someone else? </b>
A career in sales already requires an entrepreneurial spirit so I had that experience to build from. I had successfully built businesses for other companies over the years — and when I left each company, I also left my business and relationships. La Muse is an opportunity for me to not only build my own business, but is an outlet of expression for me individually. By carrying only American made goods my patriotism is expressed, through product selections I express a way to spread joy, by engaging in community giving I express gratitude and by the simple idea of having a retail store, where the door is open to anyone who would like to enter, I fulfill my desire to interact with and learn from so many interesting people. Yes, the monetary risk is a large one but, as one of my artists writes, "Leap and the net will appear" and I envision it will.
<b>What have you learned from being in business? </b>
I've learned that it is so much fun interacting with people during their off time, outside of work. Being in a corporate environment everyone has their airs on, their walls up and are generally stressed out. When people come into my store they aren't working but spending time on themselves. They laugh and share stories and tell me about their lives and one or two have even cried. It's all real and genuine and I am grateful for each experience.
<b>Share an anecdote of a challenging or humorous experience or biggest surprise learned from working your business: </b>
It is amazing to me what people want to buy. I've learned that I really shouldn't have anything in the store I am not willing to sell (except my dog of course). During Christmastime I had my window decorated, a tree up and various holiday decorations around the store. One day a woman came in and wanted to buy one of the decorations. My dilemma was that the decorations were purchased at area retailers and were only meant for display. I didn't know what to do because I didn't feel right selling it so I offered to give the ornament to the woman and she refused. The woman left and I suppose we were both disappointed. Needless to say the next time someone wanted to buy one of the holiday decorations around the store I didn't say a word and just sold it for what I bought it for — and everyone was happy.
<b>What have been the advantages and/or disadvantages of operating a business in Alexandria? </b>
Alexandria, Old Town particularly, has a very involved community and for the most part I only see advantages to that. Sure, there are lots of codes to adhere to and permits to obtain, but Old Town wouldn't be the gem it is if there weren't. I have found that most any information can be found on the City's Web site and it's when people don't read or seek knowledge before entering into projects that they run into snags and problems. I am grateful for all the City and various associations do to improve our community and attract new residents and visitors. It is a beautiful community. Throughout my life on Long Island I never saw our tax dollars go into the community — never! Here it is so apparent from new capital projects to street improvements to park beautification. I walk or run a few miles in and around Old Town and Del Ray almost every day and notice it all. Maybe only living here for two years and being a newbie I have rose colored glasses on — so be it, I hope to keep them on.
<b>Description of services and/or products: </b>
All items are hand crafted and made in America (OK, I represent one Canadian). La Muse carries fun and inspirational apparel, unusual home and office décor, exquisite D.C. photography, affirmation jewelry and unique greeting cards.
<b>Professional affiliations/associations: </b>
Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association