Temptations Boutique employs women across three generations

By Owen Boss

GARDNER — What began as one woman’s dream to own her own boutique has grown into a local family owned business that has been open for more than 20 years, and spans three generations. According to owner Edith Kosakowski, the business began as a much smaller operation in her garage and has since expanded because their commitment to quality service attracts repeat customers. “I had the inspiration to start my own business in the eighties,” said Ms. Kosakowski . “There were so many boutiques that I used to frequent and I thought well maybe I’ll open my own boutique, and that is kind of how it all got started.” After the store moved to their current location in 1995, Ms. Kosakowski said they decided to expand to include a bridal shop on the second floor, hoping to attract more customers. “In 1995 we moved to this location, which had been left vacant for two years, and the bridal store that was in town went out of business, so we decided we would go ahead and open up our own bridal store,” said Ms. Kosakowski . “The new location is an appealing feature for our clients and customers from the surrounding towns because people looking to avoid gas prices come here because it is convenient and easy to get to.” Since the move, the boutique now employs three generations of women in her family, something Ms. Kosakowski said she is very proud of. “We have three generations involved in this business, myself and then we have my two daughters, Laurie Fisher and Karen Drouin, and the third generation is Karen’s daughter Jordyn,” said Ms. Kosakowski. “When we were on 42 Parker St. we created space in the back for Jordyn, and she was known as the “baby in the back room,” which was kind of cute.” The family-owned business continues to thrive in the city’s downtown business district, according to Ms. Kosakowski. “We love our location down here, its safe, there is really no crime to speak of,” said Ms. Kosakowski. “And it is just really accessible to the people in the area.” oboss@thegardnernews.com

Appeared on Page 2 on 10/15/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 244)