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The Scene PARTNERS from page 107 - years later, however, she found herself past month, and lives in Roseville with in retail sales instead of law enforce- her husband, who is also self- ment. employed as an interior/exterior Sisskind-Tringale's father, who painter. But now, the two cousins find works in commercial real estate, themselves working 12-16 hour days. learned that the basket store was for "Some days we are here from 6 a.m. to sale and told his daughter about the 2 a.m.," says Rosenthal. "It gets really opportunity. Within a month, she crazy." partnered with her cousin and opened Sisskind-Tringale says, "We know it shop. will be crazy for just those three "Wendy and I were never really months, which makes it easier to work close growing up," explains Sisskind- through. We know when it will slow Tringale, "but she had management down again." experience and knew about making Like other retail establishments, gift baskets, so it was a per- fect match." The two purchased the store with help from their silent partner, Sisskind- Tringale's father, who assisted with the loan. When they opened in September 1999, neither knew what to expect. Sisskind-Tringale admits she "had some terror" initial- ly, especially since the two were behind in ordering sup- plies for the December holi- day season. "We should have begun ordering in July and August," explains Rosenthal. Rosenthal and Sisskind Tringale are hard-at work. December is their busiest - time of year, and the calls for both they look to hire seasonal help. corporate baskets as well as personal Because their storefront is only 1,000 baskets began flooding in by square feet, they rent space in a ware- November. house to have enough room to assem- "I was on the phone numerous ble all of the baskets. times a day to all of our vendors, However, finding space and dealing increasing my order, or ordering some- with the holiday rush weren't the only thing completely new," says Rosenthal. challenges they encountered. It took "It was a trial by fire." nine months of paying fees and filling The frenzy was due in part to the out paperwork for them to transfer the fact that American Basket will custom store's liquor license to their name. design a gift basket specifically to the But for the most part, they admit the customer's request. No two baskets are transition to being self-employed has the same, although come December, not been too difficult. says Sisskind-Tringale, "we make some While December is without ques- baskets in advance so people can just tion their busiest time of year, they come in and purchase one." This stay busy throughout the year prepar- attention to customer service is a fea- ing baskets for a variety of occasions. ture the women believe set their store "Baby baskets are very popular," says above the competition. Rosenthal. "We put in everything from blankets, rattles and toys to food Flexible Schedule for the new parents." From January through September, the Every once in a while, they are store is open from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 asked to use a more creative approach. p.m., although the partners say they "There was one week last summer often arrive early or stay late to when I must have gotten three accommodate clients' requests. That requests for baskets specifically for schedule makes it easy for them to men," says Rosenthal. While that have a life outside of the store, some- trend slowed, Rosenthal points out thing not always possible when a busi- that the store must always be willing ness first opens. Rosenthal, who is to go that extra mile to make their married and has a 5-year-old son, product unique. Chase, finds that flexibility important. Sisskind-Tringale was married this PARTNERS on page 110 -