Story and Photos by Lisa Carolin
For Dana McGrath, opening La Maison was a combination of hard work, good timing, and a dream come true. She opened the furniture and home decor gallery at 401 North Main Street in downtown Chelsea last November.
McGrath has been a familiar face downtown, having previously worked as a designer and buyer at Merkel’s Furniture store for 10 years.
“I always wanted to have my own space, and then through a conversation with Lynne Faist and Jane Diesing (co-owners of the Village Shoppe) it happened,” said McGrath.
McGrath purchased the Village Shoppe during the summer of 2014 and spent several months renovating the space. She opened La Maison just in time to be part of Wine, Women and Shopping in November.
“I love retailing!” said McGrath. “La Maison has home decor with a slant toward an industrial style with reclaimed woods and metals.”
She also sells home accessories, decorator art, throw pillows, candles, and Cherry Republic products. In January, McGrath began selling Chalk Paint®, which has been a big hit.
McGrath says she has clientele that followed her to La Maison, as well as former Village Shoppe customers, who patronize the store.
“I enjoy helping people beautify their homes,” said McGrath, who also does color consultation and space planning.
The 51-year-old Chelsea area resident has four children ages 17-25 and was widowed four-and-a-half years ago. She says that the opportunity to buy the store came along at a good time for her. The store will expand its hours to include Sundays and evenings in the spring.
“I love what I do – talking to people and providing a nice shopping experience,” she said.
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