Spotlight on Womrath, Candy Rox and Bottomline Blinds
By Madeline Oden, BXV for BXV Stronger Together
Nov. 18, 2020: Every week since early September, MHTB has been featuring articles about local businesses. Below is our current feature. You will find links to previous Spotlight features at the end of this article. Enjoy!
Womrath Bookshop, 76 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Morin Bishop
Morin Bishop and Barbara Chilenskas purchased Womrath Bookshop in August 2019. They were chatting with friends about Womrath's availability, thought it over and boom, Morin and Barbara owned a bookshop.
Morin and Barbara met in 1991 when Barbara, a graphic designer, and Morin, a book editor at Sports Illustrated, came together to create The Olympics: A History of the Games. From that point on, they worked as a team on many book projects, with Barbara handling visual elements and Morin working on structure and copy. Together, they have created over 200 books.
The book business "desperately needs to be supported," says Morin, "you learn from both fiction and non-fiction." Morin's goal was to read 40 books between August 2019 and August 2020. He read 39.
The post-Covid goal for Womrath is to be a venue for readings and signings and a relaxed environment for chatting about books and finding out what Barbara or Morin recommend. Womrath is slowly being transformed into a more open space with a conversation nook at the rear. On weekends, you are likely to see Barbara and Morin's daughter, Ellis, at the shop. Ellis, 19, is a first-year student at Sarah Lawrence and is a talented artist.
Morin is grateful to their landlord, who was accommodating during the Covid shutdown. With phone orders only and Morin's nightly deliveries, revenue was down 60%. Thankfully, since re-opening, business has been good since Bronxville is truly a village of readers and book clubs.
Womrath would be a great place to purchase children's books or the latest novel for holiday gifts.
Candy Rox, 66 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Valerie Stone
Conceived by owner Valerie Stone, Candy Rox opened in Bronxville in 2015. Old-fashioned yet totally today, Candy Rox offers high quality candy and a mind-boggling array of gifts which can be gift wrapped in distinctive fashion.
Valerie started her work life developing products for private label fashion retailers. She was on the fast track with frequent international travel. Believing that "life has different chapters," Valerie turned the page after her children were born and happily spent 15 years or so at home raising her children and volunteering. As the children entered their teens, the next chapter beckoned.
With hands-on knowledge of kids and the desire to start a business, the Candy Rox concept was born. The name was obvious because, as Valerie says, "candy does rock."
Candy Rox candy comes from many different vendors who bombard Valerie with emails promoting products. She attends gift and candy shows but, because they aren't happening now, Valerie spends hours online.
Vision and drive run deep in the Stone family. Husband Jamie is the Director of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles for Baron Capital. Son Jackson, 26, works in strategic consulting. Twin girls, Renee and Bridget, 21, are set to graduate from the University of Michigan.
If you want to feel like "a kid in a candy shop," head to Candy Rox, where the motto is "Freedom and Candy for all." www.candyrox.com
Bottomline Blinds, 120 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Chantz, Tanya and Steve Vavra
Tanya and Steve Vavra are the proprietors of Bottomline Blinds, which features Hunter Douglas products.
Their story begins in 1981 when Tanya, newly arrived in New York from Colorado and working in modeling, investigated a second job at Steve's jazz nightclub. "We just clicked," says Tanya, "Steve was different from other men, straightforward and good looking." They married in 1987.
Steve, who is a master carpenter, and Tanya opened a hardware store right before the recession of 1990/91. Window treatments kept the store afloat. When the store closed, Tanya sold Hunter Douglas products from home while Steve handled measuring and installation. The business blossomed, and the couple now have Bottomline Blinds stores in Dobbs Ferry, Pleasantville, and Bronxville
The couple have two children, Chantz, 20, and Derex, 18. Chantz has worked at Bottomline since he was 13 years old. When he was young, he worked to earn a little extra spending money. Now he runs the Pleasantville store. Derex, 18, is a freshman at the Hartford School of Art and among his recent creations is a sculpture using recycled materials.
Since re-opening after the Covid shutdown, business has been steady. Customers "noticed things that had to be done at home." While the shutdown was tough, there were silver linings. There was "so much family time. It was awesome," says Tanya. And she's "never been so organized." But there has also been some sadness. The couple is mindful that many merchants have not been as lucky as they have been.
The Vavras six days a week and often Sundays. In rare free time, they work in their garden and home "side by side."
"I love the town," says Tayna, "it's a friendly, walking, one-stop shopping town."
Other Spotlight Features
If you'd like to read about other businesses in town, click on these links for other Spotlight Features.
Spotlight on Found Herbal, Mossy Fern, and Provisions for Pets
Spotlight on Booskerdoo, Bronxville Jewelers 90 and Station Plaza Wine
Spotlight on Bronxville Fitness Club, Fabio's Hair Studio & Wild Vine & Liquors
Spotlight on Adrian East, Bronxville Furriers and Beer Noggin
Spotlight on Chantilly Patisserie and Bakeshop, Enrico Gargano Hair & Hickey's Del
Spotlight on Ladle of Love, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop & Gillard's
Spotlight on Slave to the Grind, Maison Rouge & Continental 109 Salon
Spotlight on Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Mini's Prime Meats & Park Place Bagels
Spotlight on Bayside Travel, Trapp Opticians and Whim
Spotlight on Silk Road, Cookies N' Cream and Fine Arts Gallery
Spotlight on Silver Spoon, Mano a Mano and Tryforos & Pernice Florist
Photo at top: A.Warner; Other photos by M. Oden
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
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Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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