The Owner: Lisa Gavin

Why? In 1988 I was bed-ridden for two months with a serious illness. When I recovered, I realized that life was too short to not follow your dreams. So, on a hope and a prayer and a childhood dream (I still have my "Barbie" collection!), Alapage was born.

Favorite Saying? "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it."

Greatest Inspiration? My mom. She always told me, "You are the captain of your own ship. If you want something, you need to go after it." She had given up her career as an Assistant Fashion Editor at a New York magazine to move North and raise 5 children. She never regretted it, but I think she always wondered "What if...". So, this is for her.

Favorite Color? Periwinkle. If you've been in my store, you've seen it everywhere. Black is a close second. As hard as I try not to, I still wear it almost everyday.

Favorite Number? Two! I buy everything in two's. Two styles, two colors...it's a bit much at times, but I can't help it...I'm a Libra!

Favorite Place in the World? I love my work and I love that I can travel for my work...New York and LA are my cities! But my favorite place is at home with my artist husband (check out his website at www.paulfinleygavin.com ), our beautiful son, and our three crazy dogs.

Employees? I have always been lucky to have a wonderful team of employees who know how to balance working hard with having fun.  I would be lost without my current manager, Judy Wright, who gives 150% everyday to Alapage and our customers. My bookeeper, Pam Bennett, has been keeping everything "behind the scenes" organized and in-line for years.  My Sales Associates not only assist our customers, but also merchandise the store (if you've been in and seen their displays, you know how talented and creative they are!), steam and tag all in-coming merchandise, and keep the store clean and organized.

A special "Thank You" to all my employees for all you give to Alapage and our customers.

Giving back to others who are in need has always been an integral part of our work here at Alapage.   Each October we partner with one of our vendors, Brighton, to raise money for breast cancer research through our sale of an exclusive and Limited Edition "Breast Cancer Bracelet".  We also participate with Brighton each February with a bracelet sale in support of The American Heart Association.

Alapage is also a proud supporter of a variety of charities and organizations within the greater Manchester and Nashua areas.  Each year, we participate in major fundraising fashion shows for Families in Transition and Home Health and Hospice Care, two local organizations whose work truly makes a difference in the lives of those whom they serve.  We are also contributors to many other local chapters of groups such as The American Heart Association, Making Strides for Breast Cancer, The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, and Inner Harmony Music.

In addition to our local work, Alapage has made a commitment to reach out on a global scale and now annually sponsors a young Ethiopian boy through Wide Horizons For Children.