B
U
S
I
N
E
S
S
Arabella
Fine Gifts and Home Décor For 12 years, creativity, quality and impeccable customer service have been the hallmarks of Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Decor. The Mandeville business is actually a two-part operation. The retail store on Highway 22 sells fine gifts and home décor, but owner Patrice Senac also stays busy with her interior design services, accommodating any request and any budget. Patrice studied interior design in college and has a long and growing list of satisfied clients. Janie VanDeventer has been on that list for about eight years. VanDeventer says Patrice is a pleasure to work with—she’s upbeat, full of fresh ideas and a stickler for detail. Another client, Leslie Lanusse, asked Patrice to help renovate and design her home. Calling her responsive and easy to work with, Lanusse says that thanks to Patrice’s services, she loves her house. “The biggest thing about Patrice is that she listens to what you want and helps you realize your vision. The vision turns out even more fabulous than you could have ever imagined.” Patrice has done design work on everything from yachts to offices to existing homes, as well as brand new homes. Simply want to rearrange the furniture you already have? Call Patrice. Or, perhaps you need help fine-tuning your floor plans before they’re finalized—Patrice can offer advice. Maybe you need another opinion before you accept your building plans. Patrice will be glad to receive your inquiry and offer her services. But she doesn’t do it all alone. She has a team of highly qualified painters, craftsmen, seamstresses and upholsterers to help her get the job done—and done right. One of her secrets to success is the attention Patrice pays 122
Inside Northside
P
R
O
F
I
L
E
to the needs and wants of her clients. She says her individual clients are her inspiration. “If someone walks into a room and says ‘Oh, that’s Patrice,’ then I am not doing my job,” Patrice says. “My work should reflect my client—not me.” The same tone rings true for Arabella. Customers at the store are met with unparalleled customer service and products that suit their taste and fill their gift-giving needs. Top-flight designers such as Michael Aram, Annieglass and Edgar Berebi highlight Patrice’s unique selection of items that covers everything from entertaining and décor to home fragrances and seasonal items. Whether your budget is $15 or $1,500, you’ll not go home empty-handed. “Really, we have something for everyone,” says Patrice. Patrice and her assistants travel to markets throughout the country to bring the residents of the northshore the best of the latest in fine gifts and home décor. The store’s services include gift wrapping, shipping, delivery, holiday decorating, bridal and gift registries, corporate gift giving, gift certificates and private and personal after-hours shopping. The Arabella business model is rooted in strong customer relations. Patrice and her team believe in exceptional customer service so much that the store keeps track of its customers’ purchases — just in case your husband tries to buy you the same gift for Christmas this year that he gave you for your birthday last year. “It’s hard to find the personal human element these days,” Patrice says. “Anyone can go online and purchase something, but you can’t receive that same personal attention to your precise needs online that you will in the store.”
Arabella Fine Gifts and Home Décor is located at 3902 Hwy. 22 in Mandeville. 727-9787. Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. or by appointment.