Name of Owner: Joseph Caplan
Year you opened for business: April 1991
How would you describe your business? Interior design and retail. We do both residential and commercial, and we make homes look beautiful. Also, wedding planning and corporate events – we have 25-30 years experience in event planning.
Briefly describe your typical client/customer: There’s no such thing. People very in their motivation, taste, money they have and money they want to spend. There is nothing typical about it.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her? The forever commitment Elaine Caplan has to make sure you get what you want out of your event. Also, that we work within many different budgets.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Olde Towne Portsmouth? The people. It’s an eclectic mix of educated/uneducated, and it’s blended together very well. Everyone is very neighborly.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads? The same thing, but on a larger scale.
What challenges do you face as a business owner? The economy obviously impacted the minds of many people. People are expecting much more for their money and sometimes it’s just not possible to give discounts.
What’s in store for your business in the future? Elaine Caplan to have her own program on television and see her called upon by people with fabulous taste that needs redecorating. I want to see the events side of the business expand throughout Hampton Roads.
What is one thing your business district needs? There are quite a few empty shops. We need more marketing of Downtown Portsmouth for more people to know about it. It is a wonderful opportunity for those who want to open a new business.
