Posted 15 October 2004 - 02:58 PM
"I don't have time to go talk to everyone opening a store in town, so I rely on other community members to help spread information."
AHA! Therein lies the problem! We are relying on the info we're getting from people who are opposed to this shop. I went there today, to find out for myself.
I had lunch at Hacienda (fajita chicken salad, which I'd rate a 5), and walked down to check out Ms. Teaz, the new lingerie shop afterward.
I was pleased to meet meet some members of the Dufour family; Sam, his wife Misty, and mother Judy. They were busy painting and sprucing up their new store.
Sam proudly and eagerly showed me the floor plan and gave me a tour.
The Dufour's are opening (actually already opened) a shop specializing in high end lingerie and corsets, also selling shoes and jewelry. They will have a room in the back, where they will sell novelty items, such as lotions, games, and toys. I guess I could best compare it to a miniature version of Evangeline's, without the Halloween costumes.
They are keeping the victorian feel of the space, bringing in Judy's English antique armoires and displays, along with conventional displays from Nordstrom.
In the back of the store, there is a small room with a latching gate, which will be marked '18 and over'. Behind the gate will be a curtain. Inside will be the adult novelties and such.
Sam explained that he worked and saved his money, and recently left his job to open this store. He is a family guy, raising a 10 year old step-daughter, and had this dream of opening a store that would be successful, respected by the community, bring life back to Sutter Street, and make money, too.
He and his family have been working hard planning, painting, getting organized, and getting involved in the communtiy. He was welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce, and has a ribbon-cutting scheduled, I believe, for Nov. 4.
His target market is adult citizens of Folsom, El Dorado Hills and vicinity, along with tourists coming to Sutter Street.
You can feel his honesty and passion for this most American of dreams.
Imagine his shock when he comes home from a lingerie convention to find that there are people in the community up in arms about his opening, claiming that he'll be having be a dirty smut peddler, selling x-rated videos, having peep shows, and attracting perverts from far and wide.
I really feel for this family. Sam seems like a normal family guy, thought he was doing a good thing, has the support of his family, and thought he had the support of merchants and his community.
I think we need to give them a chance, and not condemn them before they even get their business going. Sam invites curious citizens (and customers) to come down and take a look. He'll be glad to show you everything he's ordered and give you a tour of the place.
I think we ought to be ashamed of ourselves if we continue to conduct a witch hunt and prevent an honest family from opening a legitimate business on Sutter Street.
As my screenname implies, my name is Steve and I am a dad. I have 2 daughters, ages 11 and 16 whom I love, educate, support and protect. I would not keep them from going in this shop to see what it's about.
Please give them a chance. If you don't want to buy what they sell, don't, but don't burn them at the stake, either. With a little luck, Ms. Teaz will become a trusted and respected business for years to come.
Sam, Misty, and Judy, if you're reading this, welcome to Folsom, and good luck.
Steve Heard
Folsom Real Estate Specialist
EXP Realty
BRE#01368503
Owner - MyFolsom.com
916 718 9577
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