The holiday season is fast approaching, and to kick off the season, Ashley Furniture HomeStore hosted “Business After Hours” for the St. Croix Chambers of Commerce. Located near the Sion Farm Shopping Center across from Plaza Extra, the Christmas designs bring sophistication, exclusivity, and artistry.
As you step in, a sense of holiday spirit and cheer is spread throughout the store. Guests mixed and mingled as they enjoyed light bites, cocktails, and the beautiful “Holiday Haven” décor.
This is the second year of hosting, said managing officer Ahmad Hussein of Ashley Furniture HomeStore. “This event is to start the positive energy for the holiday season, and we are very fortunate to team up with the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce,” said Hussein.
“It is time to get into the holiday shopping mode and start early,” he said. Hussien also expressed his gratitude to the team that spent three weeks designing and decorating.
Creative Director Abigail Atwell and brother Jesse Atwell, who both have full-time careers outside of the design industry, were the heads of the designs on display. The Atwells spend from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. creating the designs put on display.
Abigail Atwell said the idea started last year. “I was shopping for an event and could not find anything on island and a month before we opened, I said, ‘I am opening a Christmas store.’” Within a week, the floor was decorated and was such a success the store decided to do it again.
Abigail Atwell said that this year, she began to hand-select each piece in January.
Jesse Atwell, also the owner of ALJ Construction, assisted in his sister’s vision to bring the designs to life by assisting with the engineering and design, which was an asset to the team’s execution. “He always finds a way to do it that makes sense,” said Abigail Atwell. A good example would be an upside-down Christmas tree depicting a chandelier in the “Champagne and Pearls,” section one of Abigail Atwell’s favorites.
Ashley Furniture HomeStore provides an extensive range of décor options, from ornaments, twinkling lights, and charming accessories to lighting and festive accessories. Whether you prefer a traditional or modern aesthetic, they have something to suit every style and taste.
After the attendees enjoyed the designs, a 50/50 raffle was drawn and the mix and mingling continued. According to the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce website, they work for small and large businesses on the island of St. Croix and support pro-business governmental initiatives.
To see and hear more about this interview, stay connected to the V.I. Source to view a new episode of “Consider the Source,” which is dropping this weekend.
