“After seventeen years as a flight attendant, I knew I didn’t want to do it for the rest of my life,” she jokes. “But technology and computers were evolving, and it was difficult to fall back on my former education.”
Guided by her travel background, her innate sense of style, and a series of aptitude tests, Paulette discovered she would be well suited for success as an importer. Turning the focus to her new passion for French ribbon, she immediately asked a friend who was living in Paris to set up an appointment for her with a ribbon manufacturer. Shortly thereafter, she found herself in business as a wholesaler.
“I continued to fly for six more years, while I got my product out there, and then retired from the airlines when I was forty-five,” Paulette adds. “After a few more years, I realized how much exposure I’d gotten to all kinds of ribbon—even beyond the French varieties that first attracted my eye.”
Great article! I lived in the neighborhood and went in her store many times. She was always aloof and unhelpful. We both owned Cavalier dogs and that didn’t break the ice either. I wish my experiences had been as lovely as your story
Lol, that happens with artists and artist types sometimes!! It’s one of those conundrums, I have seen that often in artistic arenas. It never made sense to me, as I’m an artist and love people too. I used to own a bead store here in Davis. Absolutely loved it – art, craft, teaching people, meeting people, my heaven! Had to sell it though, my partner had to get out of it to hospice her roommate and I never got around to finding a replacement. I may still make the trip to city to check it out but keep the nature of the owner in mind!!!
Love your passion, I have always collected lace, sewing supples, ribbon. So glad you got to make it a thriving business and could work among your favorite items. jeannie