4 Naples Business Women

Cindy Gayer

In Naples, the natural light and landscape beckons and residences offer indoor/outdoor living to make the most of our fabulous climate. Cindy’s business, 15 years in, designs, suggests,  selects, measures, orders and installs all varieties of custom window treatments. These frame views of waterways, swaying palms, pools and lanais. Their function to protect furnishings, art, and interior finishes from heat and UV rays as well as to afford privacy.

Window Wear Designs’ work also serves an aesthetic purpose: window coverings can provide a softness, serving as a bridge with the harder, linear surfaces of flooring, patios, stone and glass. Cindy’s experience as a merchandising student ,Michigan State University, and as a buyer/merchandiser in New York City sparked her love of fabrics and working with textiles, and her creative spirit blossomed as her local business grew.

“We work with interior designers, architects, general contractors and others in the building and design trade. And, homeowners find us as well.” Naples and its beauty – both in the scenery and those who occupy it – inspire Cindy in her day to day work. “We put our clients first – we do what we say, when we say we are going to do it. It really is that simple.” And for her team, enjoyable! Online: windowweardesign.com and by phone: 239.513.1714

Cynthia Carlson

Cynthia offers a one stop experience with all styles and price points – it’s long been a destination for jewelry in downtown Olde Naples. Cynthia also offers Le Cherche Midi fragrance, a signature line known as 01 and Nantucket, which are designed to inspire her clients to experience their own “found” moments through fine fragrance. When Cynthia is not at her Olde Naples location (where this store has operated for more than a quarter of a century), she enjoys yoga and outdoor sports.

Her tenacity is her hallmark; of her business successes, she reminds us that we have to be willing, at times, to fail but learn. Cynthia’s inspiration is from those she interacts with on a daily basis while at work, and when away – rocks, minerals and beautiful places outside of Naples. In being of service to her clients, she says, heartfelt: “How much a joy it is to work in an environment that allows me to help clients find a piece of jewelry that they will cherish and enjoy for their lifetime.”
Online: carlsonsfinejewelry.com and by phone at: 239.263.8881 320 13th Ave S.

Carolyn Lancaster

A transplant from the West Coast, Carolyn Lancaster is no stranger to beautiful waterfront communities or selecting highly sought after, lightly used (or new!) designer goods for  resale. Her shop, in Pettit Square in Olde Naples, is at the southern end of the Historic Third Street South shopping and dining district; the iconic Naples Pier is only 1 1/2 blocks away.

Inside Carolyn’s Off Third, other “legends” – iconic designers such as Chanel, Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Louboutin and Valentino, among others, appear as eye candy destined for chic Naples closets. Her inventory is ever-changing and always appealing. Carolyn got her start in business when in California. There, her shop was a USA Today favorite pick its third season. She and her husband, avid boaters, enjoy the coastal waters off Marco Island when not at work.

She is a supporter of a myriad of charitable organizations both as a proprietor and as a committed Life in Naples resident.  If you, like Carolyn, like dancing, keep Carolyn’s Off Third in mind for your evenings out, other special occasions, or, simply to make your daytime dress fresh and new – to you. Online: Carolynsoffthird.com or by phone: 239.331.3632 294 14th Ave. S.

Angela Lossia

Angela grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and this lasting legacy continues today in North Naples, where she has been at the helm of Angela’s Fine Furnishings for a decade – this is her 10th anniversary year. She and her team offer Interior Design Services and cutting edge products for everyone’s home. She attributes part of her success to her location in Naples,
“with its sophistication, nature, the weather, downtown 5th Avenue South and Third Street South…it attracts interesting people from all over the world.”

A key component of her thriving business is the foundation of her family traditions and work ethic: good service, honesty and fairness. “I’ve built my company around those values.
My name is on the door and I can vouch for everything behind it!” When not meeting with clients or on buying expeditions, Angela can be found on area hikes, taking in the simple pleasures of nature, like birds chirping and viewing wildlife in their natural habitat, and supporting local organizations which protect and educate about  environment. Online: angelasfinefurnishings.com or by phone: 239.390.2300 14700 Tamiami Trail N. #3