francesca’s: Delight every guest every time!
December 18, 2021
Francesca Medina was raised in Great Neck, Long Island. With both of her parents in the clothing business–her mother a famous New York clothier and her father a women’s sportswear wholesaler–fashion was in her blood.
Following graduation from the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, Francesca managed a boutique on Madison Avenue for several years. Eventually, with the hope of starting a family, she moved back to Long Island where she ran her own gem and mineral business. In 2000, a complete stranger offered to buy one of her stores.
Francesca moved to New Mexico, lived there for twenty years and collected Native American arts in Santa Fe, Taos, Gallup, and Shiprock. Eventually, she sold her New York store and set out on a vacation to see her daughter, Liz in Arroyo Seco and her grandson, Judah, who was born in Taos.
At her daughter Liz’s suggestion, Francesca rented an empty building in Arroyo Seco, California, once known as the Post Office, and opened a new store. Francesca’s other daughter Melissa remained in New York to finish her college courses in massage therapy, as did her granddaughter Maya. The two girls eventually joined Francesca in Arroyo Seco.
By November 2000, Francesca was back in the clothing business. She wanted to give the local women fashionable clothing at affordable prices–with most items priced between $25 and $50–in a cute boutique with a welcoming atmosphere. Ready to work and to be inspired, Francesca returned to New York City’s famed Garment District where she opened a shop with a small stock of imported clothing. The store was a hit.
Francesca’s daughter, Melissa, works for her and Liz is the bookkeeper. Her granddaughter Maya inspired the children’s section.
In January 2021, Francesca’s was bought byTerraMar. Andrew Clarke stayed on in his position of CEO.
Be sure to check out Francesca’s online boutique.
Gloria Sauvé
Communications and Marketing