The Family Business
Being in a family business all these years definitely brings some benefits. I was recently reminded of one when a long time client visited us. To maintain her anonymity I will call her Tina. Her memories and nostalgia about Belenky Brothers brought smiles to everyone's face.
Last week, Tina brought a new friend with her and as she introduced all of us she had a little anecdote to share with her friend. She mentioned how she had been coming to her family's 'jeweler' since she was a toddler, many, many years ago. She recalled that it had always been a big treat for the family. Usually it was her grandmother who would announce that the following Sunday they would all be taking a car trip to the big city to visit 'her' jeweler. All the kids got excited because it not only meant a trip to Manhattan, but visiting Belenky Brothers was such fun. Children often went home with small gemstones they could bring to school the next day for "Show & Tell". After all they were the only kids who had such 'valuable' stones, and it was all theirs, not their parents'.
The entire family loved going, since once there, the grandmother or Nona, as she was affectionately called, enthusiastically purchased gifts for everyone. Though she often gave the Belenky Brothers' staff the third degree about each item, ultimately she was most generous.
Tina always remembered that when the appointed Sunday would arrive, they were all wearing their best 'going to the city' clothes except the grandmother. On that day shockingly, she would look downtrodden and even shabby. It was very strange, since usually she was fastidious and well groomed. As the years went by no one dared to ask Nona. Once our client became an adult she realized that she still did not know why her grandmother intentionally looked so poorly only on the days she went to buy jewelry. Though she had asked other family members, no one seemed to know the answer. It was as if this secret was buried within the matriarch of the family and not another soul dared step over the line to inquire.
After many yearw, Tina finally mustered up her courage to confront her grandmother . Trepidatiously she asked the long awaited question. Perhaps now, Tina would learn the most puzzling family secret.
Nona, taking no affront and surprised at the question, answered simply. "You don't know? It's so easy, you see, if I wear my good clothing they might think I'm rich. I wouldn't want that." Tina totally shocked by this, and yet finding it quite comical asked. "Nona, after all these years of you buying a huge amount of fine jewelry from these people, do you believe they think you are a poor woman? Do you really think their behavior would change toward you?"
Speaking from another era, Nona replied. "Of course not,- - -but you never can be too careful!"
We love our clients and their stories. This is what makes our business truly a "Family Business" . it's not just that we are a family involved, it's our clients and their families who have been patronizing us for generations. Yes, it's their families that truly make Belenky Brothers a family business.
NOTE:
If you have anecdotes you're willing to share about Belenky Brothers, please email info@belenky attention Lucette. We are compiling a book of memories of our clients, which we will all be able to enjoy. We thank you in advance for your contribution.
Last week, Tina brought a new friend with her and as she introduced all of us she had a little anecdote to share with her friend. She mentioned how she had been coming to her family's 'jeweler' since she was a toddler, many, many years ago. She recalled that it had always been a big treat for the family. Usually it was her grandmother who would announce that the following Sunday they would all be taking a car trip to the big city to visit 'her' jeweler. All the kids got excited because it not only meant a trip to Manhattan, but visiting Belenky Brothers was such fun. Children often went home with small gemstones they could bring to school the next day for "Show & Tell". After all they were the only kids who had such 'valuable' stones, and it was all theirs, not their parents'.
The entire family loved going, since once there, the grandmother or Nona, as she was affectionately called, enthusiastically purchased gifts for everyone. Though she often gave the Belenky Brothers' staff the third degree about each item, ultimately she was most generous.
Tina always remembered that when the appointed Sunday would arrive, they were all wearing their best 'going to the city' clothes except the grandmother. On that day shockingly, she would look downtrodden and even shabby. It was very strange, since usually she was fastidious and well groomed. As the years went by no one dared to ask Nona. Once our client became an adult she realized that she still did not know why her grandmother intentionally looked so poorly only on the days she went to buy jewelry. Though she had asked other family members, no one seemed to know the answer. It was as if this secret was buried within the matriarch of the family and not another soul dared step over the line to inquire.
After many yearw, Tina finally mustered up her courage to confront her grandmother . Trepidatiously she asked the long awaited question. Perhaps now, Tina would learn the most puzzling family secret.
Nona, taking no affront and surprised at the question, answered simply. "You don't know? It's so easy, you see, if I wear my good clothing they might think I'm rich. I wouldn't want that." Tina totally shocked by this, and yet finding it quite comical asked. "Nona, after all these years of you buying a huge amount of fine jewelry from these people, do you believe they think you are a poor woman? Do you really think their behavior would change toward you?"
Speaking from another era, Nona replied. "Of course not,- - -but you never can be too careful!"
We love our clients and their stories. This is what makes our business truly a "Family Business" . it's not just that we are a family involved, it's our clients and their families who have been patronizing us for generations. Yes, it's their families that truly make Belenky Brothers a family business.
NOTE:
If you have anecdotes you're willing to share about Belenky Brothers, please email info@belenky attention Lucette. We are compiling a book of memories of our clients, which we will all be able to enjoy. We thank you in advance for your contribution.
posted by belenkybling at 10:28 AM
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