Secrets of My Success: Nest Inspired Home

, a new home furnishing store on Purchase St., is a real transformation from where an empty, dilapidated building once stood. Run by three local business women, the store offers a classic contemporary look at reasonable prices.

When Wendy Williams moved into Rye six years ago, her son befriended Bets Miller’s son the very first day. The two moms talked and became fast friends.

Williams left her career in finance some years ago to open her own store. Miller left her career in internal corporate communications when her son was born. And Miller was a volunteer on the board of Westchester Children’s Museum with third partner Alyson Drew.

Patch sat down with Williams to discuss how the store came to be.

Q. When did the idea for a storefront begin?
Our children were at an age where we could really focus on a store 9 months ago, but we have been talking about it for the past 6 years. It started 9 months ago, but it was about finding the right time, in terms of our children, and finding a space.

Q. Why Rye?
We wanted to open a business in Rye because we live in Rye, so it is a good commute. And I believe people in Rye appreciate local boutique stores and that fit with the charm of Purchase street, [it] was where we felt it would be the best fit for us.

Q. How did you choose the store name?
We just like the store name. It is cozy and comfortable. It is very beautiful when a bird creates its nest, so we thought it appropriate to what we are selling. We wanted something short and to the point, and we like the nest with the three eggs because there are three of us.

Q. What do clients see when they come to the store?
When someone comes into the store, the client will either take something on the floor that they like, or they can order the item in a different finish, style, color, etc. 

We can provide the whole package for you or individual pieces. But about 30 percent of what we have on the floor are one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.

Places like Crate & Barrel and Pottery Barn have their roles, but personally I much prefer to buy something that is unique that I won’t find anywhere else, but still at a good price point.

Q. What do you look for in a piece?
What I look for are classically contemporary – which will fit in a traditional as well as more modern home. It is beautiful and will last a long time. They are not trendy pieces.

We also like to add in a bit of fun like a Mongolian chair, feather juju hats – real African hats worn in Cameroon, but I think they make a beautiful piece of artwork. How many homes have juju hats on the wall?

Q. Who is your typical client?
Our clientele is someone who likes things that are classical, but also different. Someone who appreciates things that are unique and beautiful. Any age can appreciate something that is unique and beautiful.

Q. How do you think the economy will affect your store?
My husband is in the stock market, so he is very into what is happening in the world. I don’t know how the economy will affect our business, but I believe that eventually the economy will come back, and regardless of that situation, people appreciate beautiful pieces. We have small items too, like bracelets, and I believe our price points are reasonable and competitive, especially for the quality of the pieces that we have. I was very conscious of that as I was choosing the things that I was putting out there.

Q. What is your favorite piece?
The vintage zebra chair in the back is my favorite, it is a linen chair, from the 1950s. Danish modern, re-upholstered and modernized.

Q. What was the store prior to your taking it over?
The space was vacant for five years. Prior to it, Sam Goody was here– fuchsia-colored walls on the side, black ceilings. With the economy being the way that it is, I think we have really been able to bring the street a new jolt in terms of excitement. The furniture, the look of the store, and to get Rye excited about something. I know my friends and family have appreciated that, and I hope everybody else does.

Nest Inspired Home is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and private viewings as requested. They consider the store a one-stop shop for gifts and home accessories.