Somers Business Profile: Beautiful Things Interiors & Gifts

When Lori LaDue opened Beautiful Things Interiors & Gifts in Somers in 2008, the economy had started to dip and not recover for several months.

But, the shop weathered the economic downturn and, just this past week, celebrated five years in business. Beautiful Things marked the occasion with a celebration between both staff and customers last.

"I am really thankful to the community and the surrounding towns of Somers that have supported the store for the past," LaDue said. "Without them there would be no us."

Beautiful Things sells an assortment of specialty gifts, like handbags, jewelry, purses and other items. LaDue said what has allowed her to stay in business these past five years is the fact that she carries brands that people are looking for, like Alex & Ani and Vera Bradley.

She noted that, when some of her New York-based distributors come out to her shop in Somers, they often comment that LaDue's store is "like something you would see in New York."

But, it's not just the merchandise. It's the service. LaDue knows many of her customers by name and gets to know them on a personal level.

"They're like a family," she said. 

And while LaDue noted that she advertised heavily in her first three years, now she relies more on social media like Facebook and Instagram and the old standby: word of mouth. 

Today, Beautiful Things' customer base comes mainly from Somers and Ellington, but also from Enfield, Stafford, and some as far away as Manchester and towns over the border in Massachusetts.

So what advice does she have for any entrepreneur wishing to start their own business, whether it be in specialty gifts or otherwise? First off: preparing for the costs. 

"It takes three times the amount of money to start a business than you initially think," she said. 

And be prepared to put in a lot of hours. LaDue said she still works seven days a week, despite the fact that she has hired staff and has been in business for so long.

But, on a lighter note, she left us with this:

"Only you can make your dreams come true. Don't wait for someone else to make it happen." 

Be sure to check out Beautiful Things' Facebook page here, and website here.