Jean McHale knew furniture was her passion long before she ever realized it.
“I grew up on an old farm in Pennsylvania, and there were all these old wonderful pieces [of furniture and art] in the house, and the furniture just cried to me,” McHale reminisced.
Today, McHale is the successful owner of Gaines McHale Antiques in Baltimore City?s Harbor East.
The showroom is full of English, French and American antiques, among others, ranging from $300 to $30,000.
“My favorite things to do [are] take a young person who knows nothing about antiques and walk them through the store, educating them on what to look for in an old piece,” she said.
McHale continues to learn about the business as well by staying in tune with her clientele.
“When you go to antique fairs, there are thousands of pieces in a field. You have to ask, ?What do I need for my clients? Is this going to translate well into my market? Will this piece retain its value?? ”
Although the 27-year-old store evolved to accommodate a changing marketplace, customer service remained its founding philosophy.
“You need to listen to what clients want and provide that service,” McHale said, citing the company?s additions of an interior design department, a custom furniture design service and on-site workshop.
“And even with a downturn in the furnishing industry, there will always be a place in the home for a great piece of antique furniture,” she said.
“I like everything about the store,” said customer Aris Melissaratos, former secretary of Maryland?s Department of Business and Economic Development. “I recently bought an estate in horse country, and Jean was recommended to me. It took a full year, and she did a wonderful job.”
A showpiece from Gaines McHale now graces nearly every room.
Duff Hughes, with maritime services company Vane Brothers Inc., is another satisfied customer.
“I?d say, ?OK, wouldn?t this be great?? and if she thought it was a wrong fit, she didn?t hesitate to say, ?That is absolutely not going to work, but consider this, this and this.? ”
Although a businesswoman by trade, McHale said she is really an artist with a passion for the home.
“A home shouldreflect who you are and where you?ve been in the past, and also what your passions are today,” she said. “I just love making people happy and filling their homes and making them gorgeous.”
