Spotlight on Bronxville Natural Market, Bronxville Stationers, Lewiko Imaging Art, and Toney Toni and the Gang
By Madeline Oden, BXV for BXV Stronger Together
Nov. 11, 2020: Every week since early September, MHTB has been featuring articles about local businesses. Below is our current feature. You will find links to previous Spotlight features at the end of this article. Enjoy!
Bronxville Natural Market, 86 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Wangchu Lama, owner of Bronxville Natural Market
Wangchu and Samden Lama purchased Bronxville Natural Market in February of 2020 to create a local store with value-priced items such as "supplements and vitamins, organic and vegan food, healthy snacks, and more."
Growing up in Nepal, Wangchu lived in a village where his father was Mayor, and it was a 2 ½ day walk to Kathmandu. With no work in his village, Wangchu put his study of English to use and found a job as a receptionist at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu. With an ear for language, he also speaks Nepali, Hindi, Tibetan, and his village dialect Hyolmo.
Acting on their belief that "America is the greatest place to be," the Lamas moved to America in 1998. Wangchu started as a cashier at Food for Health in NYC, where he studied the product line and checked out books from the library on health foods and supplements for his daily train ride. At Green Natural Market on Central Avenue, Wangchu held the position of Assistant Manager.
When the Lamas purchased Bronxville Natural Market, they retained the employees at the store. If there are disagreements, we sit down, and "between the two of us, we come up with the way of doing it right," says Wangchu.
Being part of the Bronxville community matters to Wangchu. During the shutdown, Bronxville Natural Market was open, and Wangchu checked on his customers. He telephoned a woman who had fallen at home and found she needed supplies. He worried about a woman he knew was home alone with a baby.
Living in Nepal, Wangchu couldn't understand its popularity. Now he hopes to visit with his daughters, ages 12 and 6, to show them "the mountain outside your window."
Bronxville Natural Market offers delivery and curbside pick-up.
Better yet, check it out; it's changed. Here's to your health!
Bronxville Stationers and Lewiko Imaging Art, 112 & 108 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Johnny Lee, owner of Bronxville Stationers & Lewiko Imaging Art
After retiring from the apparel industry, Johnny Lee purchased Bronxville Stationers 12 years ago and purchased Lewiko Imaging Art five years later.
Born in Korea, Johnny was transferred to NYC in the 1980s and then returned to Korea, where he continued to think about New York. In 1994 he and wife, Jeung Lee, moved to the United States with their twin children. Jeung comes to Bronxville only on weekends nowadays because she takes care of 1-year-old grandson Mason so daughter Jung Lee can pursue her career at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Son Hong Lee is in management and sales for Ricoh USA.
At Lewiko Imaging Art, iPhone photos can be downloaded, enhanced, printed, or turned into a poster. If you need a Profile photo for on-line use, or a frame or album, think Lewiko. VHS and 8 mm film can also be transferred to DVD.
Bronxville Stationers relies on walk-in customers. There you will find a surprisingly broad array of Legos, Melissa & Doug, TY items, and Mattel toys in addition to art supplies or the perfect pen. With his finger on the pulse of youngsters, Johnny's son handles the purchase and selection of toys for the store.
Each customer from a mom and child popping in for a toy or someone wanting to purchase their NYS lottery tickets benefits from Johnny's efficient, calm, and friendly manner.
Johnny enjoys his relationship with the youngsters who ask to go to "Johnny's store" for toys and the Bronxville Middle School students who come in for candy. Of the students, he says, "I respect them, and they respect me."
What does Johnny for relaxation? Weather permitting, he golfs 1 or 2 times per week.
Toney Toni and the Gang, 70 Pondfield Road, Bronxville
Kim Meltzer-Linn, owner of Toney Toni
Twenty-seven years ago, Kim Meltzer-Linn and her mother Judith Meltzer opened Toney Toni and the Gang in Katonah. The store in Bronxville followed two years later. Judith continues as an active partner in Toney Toni but has taken "a step back."
Kim views her job as "wardrobing our customers." Inventory at Toney Toni reflects this and includes "everything a woman would put on…leggings, jeans, blouses, sweaters, dresses, jewelry". Curating the Toney Toni look involves more than 30 designers and manufacturers.
Not surprisingly, inventory was affected by the shutdown, with production cut in half, and some manufacturers closed permanently. Working 24/7, Kim drew on "everything I learned over 27 years" as she sourced new suppliers and tracked shipments.
Relationships with customers are at the heart of Kim's work, and many have become friends. Searching for a way to be in touch during the shutdown, Kim created a new channel for communication. Unfamiliar with technology and virtual networks, Kim pivoted and developed a presence on Instagram and Facebook.
It's an understatement to say she is thrilled to see her customers again, even with face masks and elbow bumps. The Bronxville manager is Susan Corcoran, who is a childhood friend of Kim. When a customer leaves with a purchase, we want her to "love it" and not feel we "talked you into it," said Susan.
It's said that the key to happiness is doing what you love. "I love fashion and getting dressed every day," and "I love socializing," says Kim. Add in a penchant for merchandising that adheres to the golden rule of "show what you want to sell without extraneous décor," and you have the building blocks of a successful business.
Living in Pound Ridge with husband Graham, Kim is surrounded by nature, making it easy to pursue her passion for hiking and biking.
Other Spotlight Features
If you'd like to read about other businesses in town, click on these links for other Spotlight Features.
Spotlight on Found Herbal, Mossy Fern, and Provisions for Pets
Spotlight on Booskerdoo, Bronxville Jewelers 90 and Station Plaza Wine
Spotlight on Bronxville Fitness Club, Fabio's Hair Studio & Wild Vine & Liquors
Spotlight on Adrian East, Bronxville Furriers and Beer Noggin
Spotlight on Chantilly Patisserie and Bakeshop, Enrico Gargano Hair & Hickey's Del
Spotlight on Ladle of Love, Mrs. Morgan's Flower Shop & Gillard's
Spotlight on Slave to the Grind, Maison Rouge & Continental 109 Salon
Spotlight on Brother's Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Mini's Prime Meats & Park Place Bagels
Spotlight on Bayside Travel, Trapp Opticians and Whim
Photo at top: A.Warner; Other photos provided by M. Oden
Editor's note: As a public service, MyhometownBronxville publishes articles from local institutions, officeholders, and individuals. MyhometownBronxville does not fact-check statements therein, and any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the thinking of its staff.
Shops Directory
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Toney Toni & The Gang
Born and raised in Westchester County, Kim Linn opened her boutique in Bronxville in 1995. Toney Toni & the Gang offers a curated selection of women's clothing, shoes & accessories. Ulla Johnson, Birds of Paradis, A Piece Apart, Clare V, Repeat Cashmere, Pons Quintana, White & Warren, Lilla P, Melissa Nepton are just a few of the designers found in the store.
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary
Bronxville Wellness Sanctuary builds on an ancient tradition of mind, body, and spirit focus that is essential to total health, life balance, and true peace. Our clients experience an increase in well-being by participating in individualized holistic services including massage, facials, energy healing services, meditation, yoga therapy, and workshops
Schedule your appointment online
Purchase a gift certificate online
14 Studio Arcade
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-337-9356
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Posh Beauty Boutique
POSH Beauty Boutique is a luxury spa offering the ultimate in body therapies and skincare. The founder of POSH Beauty Boutique is Bronxville resident Diana Rainsford who is a master Reflexologist and Esthetician.
POSH offers customized facials, massage, waxing, spray tans, professional makeup applications and much more including customized, all-inclusive packages for your bachelorette party, special birthday, or for fun with your friends. Little Miss packages are also available for your little princess’s special occasions.
POSH uses Eminence Organic Skin Care for all their facials. Body treatments are performed in their luxuriously appointed Hydrotherapy room with Vichy shower.
118 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-361-1277
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Rain Natural Skin Care
Rain Natural Skincare is the home for a wide range of handmade luxurious body and skincare products that are made from natural ingredients, harnessing the power of nature to rejuvenate and nourish your skin.
Value Drugs of Bronxville
Value Drugs of Bronxville has been a member of the Bronxville Community for over twenty years. They are a family center where you can find a large variety of items. They have over fifty departments including toys, clothing, home goods and everything else you need from your neighborhood drug store. They have a full-service pharmacy with free delivery. You can also find a large variety of seasonal goods for every time of year.
80 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3801
(914) 337-2520
Bronxville Vision Care
Bronxville Vision Care offers eye examinations and same-day service on most eyeglasses and contact lens services. The center is open every day and accepts most vision plans, including VSP, Eye Med, Spectera, and Pomco. John Dello Russo is the optician and Dr. Josephine Russo is the optometrist. Dr. Russo, a graduate of SUNY Optometry, has been in practice since 1996. Mr. Dello Russo, who has an MBA in finance and is an adjunct instructor at CUNY, has been an optician since 1976 and is designated a Master of Ophthalmic Optics by the American Board of Opticianry.
10 Park Place
Bronxville, NY
914-337-4440
Trapp Opticians
Founded in 1945, Trapp Opticians has been proud to serve Bronxville and Lower Westchester with the highest level of care and expertise in eye care. Our Optometrist offers comprehensive eye examinations and contact lens fittings. Trapp offers the best quality in eyewear and sun wear including a large selection of children’s eyewear and sportswear.
M-F 8:30-5:00PM
Sat 9:30-3:00PM
42 Pondfield Rd.
Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-0707
Tryforos & Pernice Florist
The Tryforos family has roots in the floral industry since the late 1800's and is privileged to be serving Bronxville since 1963. Their distinctive arrangements and bouquets consist of top of the market flowers from Holland, New Zealand, South America, the Pacific Basin and the US. For the floral enthusiast, all of their arrangements are customized from classic to trendy themes with inventive designs. Lush, dense packed vase arrangements in clear, low square, round glass, terra cotta and leaf lined vases are always available. They have beautiful orchids; potted and cut, as well as green and flowering plants which vary by season. They are pleased to present your unique inspirations for gift giving. Their customer base: "Busy People". They deliver and send flowers worldwide.
M-F: 9am-6pm
Sat.: 9am-5pm
73 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.337.2525
www.tryforosflorist.com
Framebridge
All of us have things sitting in boxes, drawers, and on our phones that we’d rather have up on our walls. At Framebridge, we’re making custom framing so easy and delightful that you’re inspired to celebrate everything you love–big, little and in-between. Whether digital photo or physical item, single frame or gallery wall, Framebridge has you covered. With our transparent pricing, there are no surprises. The price you see is the price you’ll pay–and shipping is always free. With over two dozen frame styles and mat options, you're sure to find the perfect combo to bring your piece to life. You can even personalize it with a brass plate, mat caption, or story pocket! Whether it’s macaroni art or a Picasso sketch, we treat every piece like a masterpiece.
Bronxville Furriers
Established in 1926, Bronxville Furrier has a long history as a trusted full service fur retailer. Luxurious furs, reversible garments, shearlings, Loro Piana cashmeres and accessories can be found here.
We offer a range of services that include Certified cold storage, cleaning and glazing, alterations and repairs. Our remodel program gives our customers the opportunity to Redesign and Modernize garments that no longer work with their lifestyles or fit properly.
Silver Spoon
Silver Spoon is a unique gift shop specializing in beautiful clothing and gifts for babies and young children, including adorable dresses and outfits for girls and boys, sweaters, bedding, baby gifts and accessories. They also carry gifts for adults including throws, cosmetic bags and other special items. Silver Spoon specializes in monogramming to create truly personalized items and gifts. They also offer a baby gift registry and complimentary gift wrap.
81 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-771-7645
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Silk Road
We are a unique boutique specializing in Home Decor, Gifts, Annabelle's and Seely Mini Jewelry, Bedding, and Clothing. We carry noteworthy items from Simon Pearce, Julie Vos, Dash and Albert, Fermob, Calaisio and many others. Gift wrapping is available.
Continental 109
Continental 109 has a 60-year history of providing exceptional hair styling, color and essential services for beauty and well being. The salon is led by owner and stylists, Nick and Mark DeVincenzo.
Built on the tradition of superior customer service, their full service salon stays fresh and exciting through ongoing training and immersion in the best that the world of beauty and fashion has to offer.
Everything about us is leading-edge with a complete focus on our guests. This commitment, and our talented staff, are the reasons why you will come to enjoy the Continental 109 experience.
Centrally located in the elegant village of Bronxville, the salon is easy to reach by car or train. Discover us, and reveal a more beautiful, more vibrant you!
109 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914.793.4198
914.793.4198
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Bacione Pasta Shop
Bacione Pasta Shop offers fresh pasta and sauces using high quality ingredients to create delicious pasta dishes loaded with flavor. Come in and enjoy the cuisine of Italy right here in Bronxville.
You can order from eleven kinds of fresh pasta by the pound and then choose from eight homemade sauces to complete your meal. Add-ons include: chicken, sausage, meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and broccoli.
Bacione also sells loaves of Italian and focaccia bread and freshly prepared containers of homemade lasagna, vegetarian lasagna, sausage ragu and meat dishes to take home. Dessert offerings are: tiramisu, flan and panna cotta. Drink choices are Italian sodas.
Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love, 18 Palmer Avenue - just across the street from New York Presbyterian Westchester Hospital - stands for consciously - sourced food, community support and a caring work family.
Whether you're picking up from the shop, getting delivery by ordering at ladleoflove.com or crafting a catering with founder/owner, Leslie Lampert, Ladle of Love promises healthful, delicious food from award winning soups and stews to sandwiches, salads, sweets and supper selections. (We have daily curbside pickup at The Boys and Girls Club in Mt. Kisco.)
The UPS Store
The UPS Store is a great place to send a package, print documents, open a mailbox or purchase business supplies. You are assured great service and a personal touch.
81 Pondfield Rd
Bronxville, NY 10708-3817
914- 779-0140
http://www.theupsstorelocal.com/1363/
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