Armonk Business Owner has Gift of Giving

ARMONK, N.Y. - Armonk native Rose Colonna spends much of her time traveling for work but when she hits her destinations she plays with toys, tries out new candy and collects bags of unique items.

It might sound like she’s slacking off but she’s actually doing research to find things  to bring back to her Bedford business Tasteful Treats and Treasures.

"I love what I do," Colonna said. "This doesn't feel like work."

Tasteful Treats is a gift business that specializes in customizing gift baskets for any and all occasions. Colonna started the work out of her Armonk home eight years ago and has since collected a loyal network of clients ranging from corporations to college care packages. Her work has even earned her the nickname "basket lady."

"People know me by my pocket books or my glasses," Colonna said. "I've always got something unique."

Her business has become known for the same. Tasteful Treats stays away from the conventional gift baskets and only resorts to the wicker gifts when there is no room left for creativity.

Unlike her corporate competitors, Colonna said she takes the time to personalize her work for clients in ways that cannot be matched.

If a female receptionist becomes ill and her coworkers want to get her a "get well" card, Colonna asks more. If she likes leopard print and shoes, she might end up receiving a box full of treats that is covered in leopard print and shoes with a personalized message that reads, "No one can fill your shoes."

Tasteful Treats is also a popular choice for sports lovers as Colonna's warehouse displays shelves of licensed New York Yankees gear along with other major sports teams.

"We're packed with items you can't buy in the supermarket," Colonna said.

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for Tasteful Treats and Colonna said more than 50 percent of her business comes from the fall and winter months. By staying close physically and figuratively with her clients, Colonna said her work couldn't be topped.

"Being local is key," she said. "We can be faster, and that lets us also be more creative."

Tasteful Treats and Treasures is located at 16 Banksville Avenue in Bedford and can be reached at (914) 219-5260.

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