Lakeside Decor owner Sharon Cicco opened the store recently. The store sells home decor and giftware in a variety of price ranges. Photo by Chris Simon Sharon Cicco has undergone plenty of change over the last 1.5 years.

First, Cicco and her husband moved to Innisfil after spending years in Waldemar, a tiny hamlet west of Orangeville. Then while driving one day, she noticed a vacant storefront on Yonge Street, across from the Innisfil Recreation Complex. Immediately, she jumped at the opportunity to open her own home decor and giftware store.

"This is a dream for me, so I had to give it a shot," she said, sitting in the store Thursday afternoon. "I ran a gift shop in Caledon 14 or 15 years ago, but had to walk away from it. Every time I would go into a store, I'd wish I had my own shop again. This January, an opportunity came up to walk away from my job and start something new. It was the perfect opportunity. This is what I want to do."

Lakeside Decor opened its doors recently. The shop, located at 7328 Yonge, offers residents unique items — such as candles, artwork, jewellery and tableware — in a variety of price ranges.

"It's all of those little decorative touches for the home. I'm trying to keep a good variety at great price points," said Cicco. "It's a great place to come and pick-up little gifts for just about anybody, in whatever age range and taste. I'm trying to keep it light, a little more upscale than the old cottage feel ... and fresh and different. I'm getting a good feel for what people are looking for, which is great."

The store has received positive feedback from patrons so far, she said.

As the store becomes more successful, it may begin to offer seniors discounts and sponsorship for local sports teams. That community involvement and respect will be an important aspect of the business, said Cicco.

"I'm trying to get new things in on a weekly basis," she said. "You're going to get something that you're not going to see in your neighbour's house. I want to start bringing in products from local artisans; I would love to get the community involved. I want to try to support the community and this will be good way to do that." The store will have grand opening on April 24. Light refreshments will be served, and all items will be discounted by 15 per cent. The store will also be launching a website within the next few weeks.

For more information, call the store at 436-2777.