Funky Finds Boutique Set To Debut In East Windsor

EAST WINDSOR, CT — Looking for some unique home furnishings rather than the everyday things you can find anywhere? A new store opening Saturday in East Windsor looks to satisfy the decorator who prefers items which are somewhat, let's say, funky.

Amy Azzara, a South Windsor resident for the last 20 years, has created the Funky Finds Boutique at 35-A South Main Street, or Route 5, between Roberto's Real American Tavern and Soto Optical in the Pasco Commons commercial plaza. The grand opening is slated for 10 a.m. Saturday, and all visitors will receive a free gift.

The shop is loaded with unique decor not normally found in conventional retailers. About 80 percent of the merchandise is refurbished; however, it is not a consignment shop.

"I want you to find something that is totally different at a good price," Azzara told Patch during a visit to the store. "I don't find it fun to spend $30 on something I know I can find for 10. It's fun to me, it excites me, it's like a game."

Azzara is proud of the high-quality furniture available at Funky Finds.

"Our furniture pieces are distressed, they're repurposed and they're good furniture, like old furniture, but they're solid," she said. "They're not particle board crap."

She said she has always been interested in acquiring somewhat offbeat items and truly one-of-a-kind gems.

"I've always loved this kind of stuff and would get things for my home," she said. "I grew up in a very entrepreneurial family, but my route was always professional positions. I did a lot of recruiting, sales, customer service and human resources. I used to run a marketing company; I've always had my hand in something."

Finding a location to pursue her dream was not easy.

"I went driving all over South Windsor and East Windsor looking," she recalled. "I snooped around here and saw it was empty, but there was no For Lease sign on it."

After initially considering renting the commercial space, Azzara decided to go for it and bought the unit outright. She closed on the sale the week of April 12, and the store came together extremely quickly.

"The way I am, when I make a decision, it was like zero to a thousand in a month," she explained.

She received tremendous help from Denise Rosa, who designs furniture, and her best friend Sarah Gates, a merchandiser. She also had a great deal of assistance from her mother, Rose.

"She has helped from day 1, she is an amazing supporter," Azzara said. "I couldn't have done it without her. 79 years old and she's hauling stuff out of a truck!"

An ongoing promotion within the shop will be a weekly "mystery item" sale.

"I will always have a list of five mystery items, and if you choose one of those, you get it for half price," Azzara said. "I had that at a soft opening for family and friends, and somebody picked one. She was so excited, it was like she had just won a car."

Treasures ranging from $5 to $500 may be acquired Thursdays and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interior house painting and handyman services are also available through the boutique.

More information may be obtained on the shop's Facebook page.

Photos: Tim Jensen/Patch

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