Local woman turns passion into business, Willow Barn Designs

Dec. 23, 2019 | Payton North
payton@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW – Michele Martinelli always had a passion for decorating and making floral arrangements. She loved the change of seasons as it gave her the opportunity to make wreaths and arrangements to give as gifts to friends and family. What she didn’t know was that one day her passion for décor would turn into her own business.

“I’d always have people ask where I got my arrangements from and when I explained I did them, I was asked if I could make ones that would work with their homes,” Martinelli told Reminder Publishing. “I always had a knack and love for decorating and I would decorate or give advice for friends and family and by word of mouth I’d get more recognition.”

When her five children became independent, Martinelli reached a turning point where she decided to turn her love of design into a business.

“I was at the point where I wanted to go to work but wanted to do something I loved and was passionate about,” she explained. “I was doing a lot of small jobs for friends and family members. So with knowing that I dreamed of opening a home décor and floral shop they gave me the encouragement and support to take a leap and turn my dream into reality.”

Martinelli began her business, Willow Barn Designs, in the fall of 2017. She and her husband, Matt, converted a large barn in the back of their East Longmeadow home into a retail store. By the end of December in 2018, Martinelli’s business had “rapidly increased,” including the sale of furniture, wreaths, holiday décor and more, which prompted a need for a new space.

Willow Barn Designs has since moved to the first floor of a former home at 81 Maple St. in East Longmeadow.

“When designing, I wanted the feel of the new space to be warm and welcoming. Everything in the space and building is new and updated, from electrical, ceilings, floors, plumbing, walls, bathroom, etc. We have a large parking lot, handicap ramp and we are also able to have a large floral cooler for our fresh flowers,” she shared.

The new storefront opened on Sept. 28, and has given Martinelli’s business the opportunity for expansion, and has given her shop more visibility and word–of–mouth, which she states has “tripled” her customers.

“I love the new location. It’s such a rewarding feeling when I pull into the store parking lot, look at the building with my logo and walk into my shop knowing that this once idea and dream have become a reality. The reception in our new location has been amazing,” she noted.

At Willow Barn Designs, Martinelli states she tries to buy unique items that cannot be found locally. She purchases goods from artisans from all over the U.S. who create custom home décor and gift items. Her fresh flowers come from Western Massachusetts, the Boston area and Maine, among other places.

“I love to support other small businesses and artisans. The products we carry won’t be found in big box stores or online,” she said. “I want to keep that unique, boutique like feel.

“One of the best things about owning my own business is getting to meet such wonderful people. My customers have been so kind and supportive. The build–out took several months but our customers were so patient and understanding.”

Willow Barn Designs is located at 81 Maple St. in East Longmeadow. The store can be reached at 301–2929.

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