A woman's touch makes Aspinwall's business district shine bright

Stroll, sip and shop your way around Aspinwall, a tiny historic borough that’s big on supporting its thriving small business district, which encompasses several blocks on two main avenues: Brilliant and Commercial.

Aspinwall Chamber of Commerce President Giuseppe Francioni says the “ ‘Wall” is more than just a neighborhood.

“We’re a jewel of the Allegheny and these business owners have been innovative and creative in generating a pulse for their businesses,” he says.

And, a lot of those business owners are women.

Meet five female business owners helping Brilliant Avenue shine bright.

Kristi Boutique, 339 First St. at Brilliant Avenue

Owner and Aspinwall resident Kristi West is always making new friends at her upscale women’s and children’s clothing boutique that welcomes shoppers with a laid-back, serene vibe.

“My best friend came in the shop seven years ago as a new client,” says West, 32. “The neighborhood feeling you get here is unparalleled. So many people just come in and sit on our couch or at our counter and eat lunch.”

West’s passion for fashion led her to opening her boutique in 2012, with an emphasis on “authentic clothing for authentic women.”

Kristi offers full-service shopping amenities that include personal shopping (even Facetiming while on assignment), private appointments, shopping parties, advance fitting room reservations, styling advice and free at-home drop off within a five-mile radius.

“I believe dressing should be effortless and fuss-free and this is also the way we run the shop,” West says. “We are a place for mommas and grandmas and their little ones to shop.”

From trendy to timeless, women’s collections run in sizes 0-10 and include a boys and girls newborn and toddler collection.

“We know 90% of the people who shop with us. The fashion is the reason I started this journey, but the people I’m able to work with everyday are the reason I continue to love it,” West says.

Soothe the Sole, 21 Brilliant Ave.

Kiersten Ferno is out to redefine the shoe shopping experience.

“I’ve always despised shoe shopping,” says the former dancer and Oakmont native. “I’ve created a low-pressure and uplifting environment to help men and women find footwear and accessories that invoke a sense of confidence and represent each individual’s style and eliminate discomfort.”

At 28, she’s the youngest business owner on Brilliant Avenue and committed to connecting and supporting her business neighbors.

“Success for us as a business community means creating an enjoyable shopping experience where the customer can satisfy most, if not all, of her needs in our little neighborhood of shops,” Ferno says. “We are constantly referring customers to one another and partnering on events or promotions.

Ferno offers one-on-one personalized shoe shopping with high-energy and perky professionalism.

Her inventory brands include Sorel, Rollie, Ateliers, Antelope, Wonders and Vionic.

“Our vendor list is 38 names — all focused on creating a product that looks just as good as it feels,” Ferno says. “It doesn’t matter what age you are. Looking put together and feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing naturally encourages confidence.”

Spark Books, 14 Brilliant Ave.

Cozy, whimsical and welcoming, Spark Books is more than the typical children’s bookstore.

It’s a social spot, play area, reading nook and community hub for parents, caregivers and children. Mom and owner Adriene Rister designed her store that way out of frustration — she could not find books for her own children on the shelves of chain stores.

Rister says she opened Spark in 2018 with a goal of teaching kids about empathy, humanity and the world ­— through books.

“Experiencing a book via an e-reader or other digital device just can’t compare to the tactile experience of a real book,” Rister says.

At Spark, you’ll find books for babies through teens, puzzles, art supplies and games.

Frequent customer Melinda Guinn of Indiana Township says her daughter, Annika, 3, loves to spend time at Spark.

“It’s a fun and welcoming and Adriene can get any book I need. What a great space,” Guinn says.

Family story time is offered three times per week and children’s art classes with local artist Alison Zapata are popular.

Grown ups love “Spark After Dark,” a book club for adults that meets monthly.

“We can teach our children so much about our world through books. It’s the first opportunity we get to teach our kids about empathy, humanity and the world,” Rister says.

Nota Bene Fine Paper Boutique, 9 Brilliant Ave.

Every occasion deserves the perfect invitation and Nota Bene (Latin for “note well”) has provided customized stationery, greeting cards, invitations and gifts for more than a decade.

Nota Bene offers a personalized one-stop-shopping stationery experience, with an emphasis on wedding invitations.

“People are overwhelmed by the overall wedding planning and invitations. There’s a lot to choose from and decisions to be made and we are there to guide them every step of the way,” says owner Amy Bass.

Schedule a private invitation appointment online at notabenepaper.com.

From birth announcements to monogrammed napkins, Nota Bene personalizes gifts for all ages, offers in-house printing on select boxed sets and features handmade paper wedding invitations.

“What sets us apart from online shopping is we are here to hold your customer hand through the entire process,” Bass says.

Amy moved to Pittsburgh from New Jersey and says she loves the shopping niche Aspinwall’s business district offers.

“I love that the street is almost made up of women-owned businesses. I think it makes Brilliant Avenue unique,” Bass says.

Feast on Brilliant, 27 Brilliant Ave.

The aroma of homemade goodness hits you when you walk in this specialty neighborhood market.

“It’s the garlic and onions — we’re used to it,” says owner Patti Danforth, who always frequented foodie specialty stores during business trips to New York City.

“Our specialty grocery selection features award-winning items, many that aren’t found at other markets in Pittsburgh, from cheeses and charcuterie to sauces and sweets,” Danforth says.

Daily, made-from-scratch fully-cooked entrees and sides include the best-selling super lump crabcakes made with sweet baby corn and red pepper, and homemade soups.

“Three must try’s are our meatloaf, chicken salad and Scamps Toffee,” Danforth says.

Capturing the atmosphere of a neighborhood market, personalized service sets Feast apart from big-box grocery stores.

“We fill a need for many who just don’t have time to do it all,” Danforth says.

Daily homemade soups, desserts and specialty grocery items such as artisan-cured meats from Volpi Foods and beef from Pat LaFrieda provide patrons with a gourmet selection that includes organic and gluten-free options, carefully selected by Danforth.