Soirée Owner Keeps It Local

Name: Trish Martini 

Where do you live? North Andover

Occupation: Owner of Soirée, Andover-an invitation, stationery and gift store in downtown Andover. When I first came to the US from Australia 12 years ago, one of the first towns I visited was Andover and I just fell in love. Even though we live in North Andover, I always dreamed of owning a lovely boutique in Andover. Coming from overseas, it just was so inviting and so New England.  I just enjoy the store and the area so much.

Hobbies and Interests: I love to cook! I love cooking Indian, Thai, Italian and I was actually a cooking instructor at NECC before owning Soirée. I specialized in cooking within a budget – getting creative without spending a fortune. I love to entertain and enjoy designing beautiful tables.  I believe that families are happier when they spend time around a lovely table with good, simple food and conversation.

Favorite Movie: I really enjoy anything British (I am originally from Australia) and my very favorite movie is Four Weddings and a Funeral but I also fell in love with The King's Speech! Being also Italian, a movie very close to my heart is Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella.)

Dream Vacation: I have traveled extensively but I have always dreamed of going to Morocco. I think it is just so exotic. I know I would love the food and the people.

What is your favorite place in Andover? I spend a lot of time at La Rosa's – a great Italian deli/sandwich shop that makes everything fresh. Good food, great atmosphere, Paul the owner is great to have a good chat with and they serve amazing cappuccino’s and gelato in the summer (my favorite)... 
  
What is your favorite local shop? Apart from La Rosa's (I really do spend a lot of time there)...I spend time in Les Fleurs (so much more that just a florist) and the General Goods store too! Great inspirational stores but I am making my way around all the stores in Andover.  The Bridal Center too is one of my favorite places where I have many friends.

How do you see Andover changing over the next 10-20 years? Small businesses often run by individuals offer one-on-one service and also offer the relationships that people are longing for – something you can't get online.

When customers come to my store, we greet them as if they are coming to our home.  We start relationships with them that last for years and develop deep friendships.  I see Andover staying as personable and being even more of the warm downtown that I fell in love with when I came here 12 years ago.  I feel an air of the cosmopolitan life coming as well with new restaurants and places to relax after work.  That is what we all want – to be able to come to a place where the owner is a friend...you gotta love that! And because we have great relationships with other store owners in Andover too, it's easy for us to recommend local businesses to our customers...and they find that special.

Where would someone see you around town? I often like to sit in front of the Old Town Hall and watch customers going into my store.  There is also a great view from Starbucks and in the Summer, after work, I'll grab a chocolate and lemon gelato from La Rosa's and walk around town. After trying the Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt store last summer though, I could see myself easily getting hooked on that too and meeting friends there.

One of my favorite restaurants, Yella is another place I visit regularly. If I need to take a vendor to lunch, that's where I will choose to go. Great food, fast and friendly service and yes, I know the owner Danielle and Carlo, her husband.  Believe it or not though, I am still discovering Andover and meeting new owners and customers everyday is just a joy.