Haut Couture Courage

April 7, 2006

Being an entrepreneur takes courage under the best of circumstances. Throw a force of nature into the equation and you really have a challenge on your hands.

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30 years ago Pina Vitale opened Pina Boutique on Las Olas Boulevard. On October 24, 2005, the day Hurricane Wilma arrived, 30 years of hard work was literally demolished. As heavy winds and rain pressed upon Las Olas, Pina and neighboring business owners chased Pina’s exquisite garments down Las Olas. The hurricane force winds had ripped through her store and scattered her inventory everywhere. Garments from the finest fashion houses in Italy were ruined. Her store destroyed.

Most people would have reconciled with their insurance companies and moved on. But not Pina! She was not giving up nor would she be forced to close her business because of a Hurricane. Pina had worked too hard to build her business and her reputation.

Last night, we celebrated the re-opening of Pina Boutique. Customers and business associates toasted Pina for her courage and tenacity. Over 100 guests enjoyed exquisite food, drink and conversation. Pina smiled and welcomed everyone in her usual gracious style. You would never know from her calm demeanor the challenges she had faced to re-open her business. The "new" Boutique has the world-class garments that customers have come to expect from Pina, beautifully lit under contemporary and stylish lighting fixtures.

In addition to celebrating the re-opening of her Boutique, Pina also celebrated the expansion of her tailoring services now located in a store front just behind the Boutique. It was truly an evening of celebration and encouragement.

Congratulations Pina! Wishing you 30 more years of success on Las Olas Boulevard.

Tony Beall
Executive Director
Las Olas Association, Inc.

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