Valentine’s Day makes this month the perfect time to recognize that we are all intertwined—a time to interact with and support our community, according to Sue and Ryan O’Meara, mother and son co-owners of Palavela Home interior design and retail showroom.
To facilitate giving back to the community, they have created their Shop with Heart fund-raising program by joining with local nonprofits. These designated charities receive 10 percent of all Palavela Home sales made in their names.
Here’s how it works. When a customer makes a point-of-sale purchase, whether it be a gift or piece of furniture, 10 percent of the price is donated to the customer’s charity of choice. At present, Palavela Home supports Save the Family, Homeward Bound, Arizona Opera, Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Phoenix Chapter of the ALS Association, Reyes Foundation for Burn Victims and Point Foundation. “Palavela facilities also are available to the groups for fund-raising and social events,” said Sue. “We’re also looking to expand by partnering with local schools and parent-teacher organizations.”
In addition to helping local nonprofits, Sue and Ryan believe one small business grows itself and other small businesses. “We believe no business exists in a vacuum,” Sue said. “We all inter-connect and prosper together. Local businesses benefit their neighborhoods and communities in so many ways. So, we use local trades and crafts people, and suppliers as much as possible.”
That way, the money stays in the community where everyone has a vested interest. “These businesses are our support—electricians, wallpaper installers, showrooms, movers, tile and carpet installers, drapery and upholstery workrooms,” Sue continued. “All of our support businesses share the same desire to make sure our clients are happy.”
Ryan, the company’s interior designer, related how their relationships with other local businesses began. “In 2007, my mom and I went against all odds and opened our new business in a 300-square-foot space at an antique mall type of establishment,” he said. “By 2009, even though the economy was still on very shaky circumstances, we felt confident enough to move to our own 1,200-square-foot building in Downtown Scottsdale,” Ryan continued. “Having our own space was exciting and scary at the same time. We would now be responsible for everything—rent, phones, credit card transactions, in addition to purchasing inventory.”
Their leap of faith gave the pair the opportunity to work with other small businesses. “By doing everything ourselves in the showroom, and finding great local trades people, we continued to grow,” Ryan said. “In addition, we realized that customers and clients were looking for that personal experience and relationship that builds with small businesses. We were fortunate to find professionals we can rely on.”
By 2011, the two moved into the beautiful Spanish Colonial building. “The tenets of our first years moved with us,” Ryan continued, “and we continue to offer value, great customer service and fun social events for business and nonprofit organizations.”
Applications are welcome from nonprofit organizations to participate in the Shop with Heart program. “We invite members in for coffee and refreshments to see who we are and what we offer,” said Sue. “It costs nothing, but you must have 501c3 status. Once approved as a community partner, your charitable organization will receive 10 percent of proceeds from purchases when customers indicate, at the time of sale, that they support your organization,” she continued. “We tally up all proceeds, and make contributions on a quarterly basis.”
Palavela Home offers unique decorative items, furnishings and expert design assistance.
For more information on interior design or the Shop with Heart program, visit the Palavela Home Web site at www.PalavelaHome.com, or call (480) 946-1006. You also can visit the showroom, located at 6939 E. First Ave., in Downtown Scottsdale.