Patch recently asked you who your favorite local business owner was as part of our “Question of the Day” series and promised a feature on the winner. We had three winners – , Patty Villanova and Ted Bitter. Here is the second of three features on your favorites. Thanks for voting! Check back next week for the next feature.
Patty Villanova of Side Effects/NY
Born and raised on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, Patty Villanova decided to bring a taste of New York City culture to downtown Peekskill in early 2005 when she opened her shop, Side Effects/NY.
“I was one of about a dozen new businesses that set up shop in Peekskill during that time. The ones who are left including me are The Coop, Treat Station and the Peekskill Coffee House,” Villanova said.
Influenced by the exotic East Side boutiques she remembers as “exciting and interesting,” the Peekskill business owner used these shops as a model for her own store.
Villanova boasts that the largest assortment of upscale costume jewelry in Westchester can be found at her 1011 Brown Street store, and notes that she sells these pieces at prices that are just above wholesale. At any given time her shop is home to more than 200 earrings, which she has on display.
Also at Side Effects/NY you will find one-of-a-kind hand-painted silks made by Villanova herself under her Joy of Painting label, as well as every conceivable kind of scarf and wrap including silks, silk blends, beaded and velvets. Looking for a new bag or purse? Side Effects/NY offers an extensive collection of replica and fashion handbags, which, Villanova points out, “are NOT counterfeits” but “well-made bags, nicely designed at very reasonable prices.”
In addition to these fashion accessories, the shop has giftware, incense, Dover books and many other inexpensive items as well, and is the perfect place to find a great gift for under $20.
Here is a brief Question and Answer with the business
owner:
PATCH: What inspired you in setting up your place?
VILLANOVA: The East Village, circa 1968. I was inspired by the Flat Iron District to try to re-create a little bit of the East Village scene here in Westchester.
PATCH: What do you like about your customers?
VILLANOVA: That most of them love my shop and understand what I'm trying to do. I can't tell you how many people come in and tell me that they, too, lived in the old East Village and my shop reminds them of what it was like, including the smell of incense and the music.
PATCH: What is the best thing about Peekskill?
VILLANOVA: The light, the location, the buildings, the vibe, the ordinary people who are very caring.
PATCH: In what way is your store an extension of your
personality?
VILLANOVA: If you come in and look it will be obvious!
PATCH: What is the best deal you have to offer right now?
VILLANOVA: We are running our annual "Christmas in July" sale. Everything in the store is marked down 25% to 50%. All earrings are half off. Most jewelry is 30% off including Bohemian and Czech glass necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Handbags are 30% off, too. Shop now for Christmas as you won't see deals like this anywhere else anytime soon.
