What makes Tivol sales specialist Denise Baker so special? How did you first become interested in diamonds and fine jewelry? When I was growing up, my mother had a few pieces of fi ne jewelry that she wore only on special occasions. She kept them hidden from me, but not very well! I would sneak them out of the house to wear to middle school. Many years later she gave them to me. I have always been interested in fashion and feel that the right jewelry can make any outfit look like a million dollars. W hat’s the most important thing you’ve ever learned about selling at Tivol? The company has been familyowned for over 100 years. Its reputation for quality, integrity and incomparable service is very important. Tivol customers understand value – they prefer to get the best quality for the price rather than just the lowest price. How do you feel about being a par t of so m any people’s relationships? It feels great when you can make someone’s special occasion even more memorable. Whether it is an engagement, anniversary, birthday, holiday, or any other milestone, people will remember that piece of fine jewelry or fine timepiece for a lifetime.
You work with so many couples celebrating anniversaries. How will you celebrate your upcoming 12th anniversary with Tivol? I’m working on convincing my husband to buy me jewelry for this occasion at Tivol, of course! Who are your favorite current jewelry designers? Penny Prev i l le is a lways a favorite because her jewelry is very feminine and wearable. I also love the larger diamond pieces from Harry Kotlar because they use only the most beautifully cut diamonds available. Their bridal designs are unique from everything else in the market. Any idea of just how many couples you’ve helped find an engagement ring? No, but I hope there will be many more! When I sell an engagement
ring, I know it’s the most important piece of jewelry they will purchase in their lives. I have the opportunity to make this a great experience. If I can accomplish this, chances are they will be customers of Tivol forever. What do you love most about your work? Since I am not originally from K a n s a s C it y, I v a lue t he friendships I have made with other employees and customers. Also, I get to wear spectacular jewelry and talk to interesting people each and every day. What jewelry shopping trends are you seeing these days? Large watches have been popular for a few years now. Some people have remained a little skeptical about purchasing them because they think it may be a trend. But instead of seeing watches get smaller, they have actually continued to get larger. I think people like being able to read the time. What are the most significant changes to the area you’ve not iced si nce you be g a n working at Hawthorne? In the 5 years I’ve been at Hawthorne Plaza, so many great restaurants and stores have opened in our area. We now have One Nineteen Plaza just across Roe from our store. And, Park Place is just a few blocks away with Carmen’s Cafe & Trezo Vino.