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MY St ory Katie Gilmartin Partner, Nada & Co.
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any of my most vivid childhood memories are punctuated by what I wore. Back-to-school shopping was an event. Part of looking forward to the year ahead was planning what I would wear on the first day of school, for picture day, on the all important field trip to Skate-AWay. I can tell you what I had on when I tacked an “e” onto the word nervous and lost the 4th grade spelling bee, and I can describe the thrill of finding sandals that perfectly matched the dress I wore to 8th
grade graduation. I can recall the details of these garments with great clarity, but what I remember most is how I felt when I put them on. I grew up in the Abingtons
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and spent many afternoons in the women’s boutique where my mother worked. It never occurred to me that it wasn’t my job too. Although my parents opened Nada & Co. in 1990, my experience in dance and theatre turned my focus to costume design and I set my sights on New York. I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Production from Fordham University and spent several years working in theatre, film and television. In 2005, I returned to the area to become a partner in our business. Ironically, our business was most successful when I split my time between Manhattan and Chinchilla. There was magic in having an Upper West Side address, but there are no secrets that are shared once you pass through the Lincoln Tunnel. We were the same people doing what we always did, striving to find the best and most unique merchandise at the best value and to present it
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to our clients in a comfortable atmosphere with a focus on service. We are not alone in this quest. Our community is rife with businesses that are not driven by the bottom line but by a passion for beautiful things. Anyone who questions this fact speaks to the most significant thing that is ever missing in Northeast PA…pride. For me, fashion is not about following trends; it’s about being inspired by color and texture. Creating a wardrobe is not about five key pieces; it’s about curating a collection of pieces I love to wear. Shopping is not about grabbing as much as I can at the lowest price but about investing in items that I look forward to pulling out year after year. I enjoy dressing. As we transition into spring, don’t be afraid of new ideas and styles, but be sure to choose items that you’ll look forward to wearing day to day. Think about where you will go and what you will do this season; focus on how you want to feel in your clothes, and the right look will follow. Enjoy the experience of shopping. Try things on; ask for help; have your sleeves hemmed!
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April 2014