The Batavia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of Gia Bella Designs, 11 N. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, July 24.
Batavia mayor Jeffery Schielke presided over the celebration. Among the attendees were owner Jill Equi, along with her husband, Jason, and the couple’s four children. Margaret Perreault, president and CEO of Batavia Chamber of Commerce; Shirley Mott, the chamber’s communications and membership coordinator; Beth Walker, assistant director of Batavia MainStreet; and chamber ambassadors were among the well-wishers.
Gia Bella Designs is a home décor boutique that relocated to the historic Newton House in Batavia. The beautiful mansion was built in 1878 for the owner of the Newton Wagon Works, Don Carlo Newton. This home, which features beautiful dark walnut trim, hand-carved fireplaces, and a grand staircase, is the perfect location for Gia Bella Design’s eclectic artisan and re-furbished merchandise. Prior to the shop’s opening, Jill and Jason Equi refurbished some of the wood floors and stained-glass windows.
Artisans and their products include:
• Gia Bella Designs – hand poured candles, refurbished decor, jewelry
• Coffee & Crafts Personalized Gifts – custom home decor and gift items, personalized for uniqueness.
• Uncork & Pour – wood signs, drinkware, and metal-stamped items with a touch of humor
• BET – trendy, hand knitted hats, scarves, shawls
• Hunnelle Kari – hand-sewn stuffed animals and handmade tote bags made from watercolor paintings turned into fabric
• Started With Mason Jar – wood farmhouse home decor
• House of 423 – unique, curated clothing and accessories
• Practical Girl Designs – beautifully hand-cut marble cutting and charcuterie boards
• Kathi Kuchler – local artist specializing in antique jewelry, needle-felted dress scarves and oil paintings
Current hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed on Sunday and Monday.
For more information about merchandise, updated hours and more, call 630-806-6646 or visit their Facebook page www.facebook.com/GiaBellaDesign. Shop the online store at gia-bella-designs.square.site.
— Batavia Chamber of Commerce