By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA — In Italian, “belli tresori” means “beautiful treasures,” and there is plenty that shimmers and shines at the newest boutique on Bridge Street.
Even though Belli Tresori Boutique in the Harbor, located at 1006 Bridge St., has been open for less than a month, “bling” fans have discovered the eclectic jewelry and gift shop, and they are thrilled with what they see, said owner Roberta Lampela.
“We have been very busy. Everyone who comes in leaves with something they loved,” Lampela said.
Customer Angel Griffith, of Ashtabula, agrees.
“I knew this would be my kind of store. My friends kept telling me to go,” she said. “And when I walked in I thought, ‘How am I ever going to choose?’ Everything is so beautiful.”
Lampela, who was born and reared in the Ashtabula Harbor area and is a Harbor High School graduate, owned a successful tanning and toning business on Bridge Street many years ago before relocating to Las Vegas.
“I lived in Las Vegas for 12 years, but I came back to be close to family and put a little ‘bling’ in the Harbor,” she said.
“I believe in Bridge Street and feel this area (Ashtabula County) was meant for specialty shops and fine-dining restaurants. We were not meant for the big shopping malls, and the people here need to support their local business owners,” Lampela said.
Some of the beautiful treasures customers will find at Belli Tresori Boutique are varieties of jewelry from the latest Las Vegas jewelry show, including unique crosses, necklaces, bracelets, watches, earrings and rings embellished with rhinestones and varieties of glass beads, designer pieces, one-of-a-kind beaded handbags, studded clothing, Christmas jewelry and ornaments, and gift items.
All the items in the shop are reasonably priced, fitting any budget. In fact, there is nothing in the shop over $80, and many items are $20 or under.
“My daughter Taylor, who is a sophomore at Lakeside, helped me set all this up, and she assists me in the store all the time,” Lampela said.
Another “helper” is Hershey, Lampela’s chocolate-colored toy poodle.
Also offered at Belli Tresori Boutique is Putting on the Ritz Tuxedos, a tuxedo rental service for men and women.
“We have new vests coming in, and there is not a bridesmaid dress that we cannot match,” she said.
Lampela has several future plans for her storefront space, including a restaurant, wellness center and a weight-loss system.
“All I can say now is watch for details. But this is the most successful fat-burning, weight-loss protocol in existence,” Lampela said. “I have business partners who will be moving to the area soon to start work on the restaurant and wellness center.”
Belli Tresori Boutique in the Harbor’s hours during December are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. Sundays. For further information, call (440) 964-2250.
