Desires by Mikolay

Tara Mikolay Jewels and Generosity Add a Special Sparkle through the Holidays

December 4, 2020 by Robin Chwatko

Community has always been the cornerstone of Chappaqua’s Desires by Mikolay, and, in these challenging and unprecedented times, owner Tara Mikolay has taken great strides to to stay connected to her legions of loyal customers and continue to give back.

We caught up with Tara to find out how Desires has survived, thrived, and continued to be the heart of the town this year.

Inside Press: How have you stayed connected with your customers during the pandemic?

Tara Mikolay: It may seem frivolous to think about jewelry during a pandemic, but, though the celebrations may look a little different, we are still honoring all of the same milestones- birthdays, anniversaries, bat mitzvahs- so we have worked tirelessly to adapt our business to safely help customers- old and new-mark these special occasions. We have done FaceTime shopping, shopping by text, DMs on social media, curbside pickup, local delivery and of course shopping online to meet the need in the “new normal”. In our over 15 years here, we have developed deep relationships with our customers, so they trust us!

Inside Press: What’s your favorite holiday gift this season?

Tara Mikolay: The floral pave diamond stud earring in white gold, ($1265 -less 10% off for our Holiday Sale!) we featured on the front of our holiday book are a personal favorite- they are versatile, sparkly, and can really pep up your Zoom meeting game! But more than just beautiful jewelry, we have holiday gifts at all price points…for almost anyone on your list. For example, our bestselling snowglobes FLY out of the store every season! Just send us your shopping list and let us do the rest!

Inside Press: You are always known for giving back. What organizations are you focusing on this year?

Tara Mikolay: For most of us the holidays are vastly different this year, with many of us separated from loved ones. Despite this I am aware of how blessed we are…in the back of my mind I am ever so cognizant of all those who do without in this world. Among others, we are supporting two organizations this season that are particularly near and dear to our hearts. The first is the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry- we are constantly in awe of this organization and the good work that they do for so many in need! And- if you know me, you know what an animal lover I am- so we are ALWAYS supporting the SPCA, and selling the most gorgeous ornaments to benefit them!

Inside Press: What’s on YOUR holiday wish list this year?

Tara Mikolay: I have always wanted two pygmy goats…it is a fantasy of mine to have a farm and since we are home all the time now, it seems like the perfect time! There is nothing like the joy of watching animals frolic in my field and I think my fur babies would LOVE them! Though I have been hinting hard to Scott (Tara’s husband), I keep getting a firm no! So…instead I have my eye on these gorgeous gemstone stackable bracelets at the store from Jane Taylor. No one does colored stones like Jane…they are magnificent. And color makes me happy 🙂 Hoping to find those under the tree this year!

To order, contact:

Desires by Mikolay

55 King Street Chappaqua, NY

Call or text (914) 238-2223

info@desiresbymikolay.com

desiresbymikolay.com

@desiresbymikolay

Robin Chwatko likes to celebrate all holidays. She lives in Chappaqua with her son and rescue animals. And after speaking to Tara is obsessed with pygmy goats too…

July 19-21 … Fabulous Offers Abound at Chappaqua’s Famous Summer Sidewalk Sales

June 1, 2018 by The Inside Press

Publisher’s Note: After 22 years of Chappaqua Living, I can pretty much promise you that you will go home with not only a steal–considering all the bargains galore–but with items you will also treasure after perusing the offerings from over 40 participating merchants. So mark your calendar, July 19-21, and times (10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily), and do take advantage of the amazing deals noted during Chappaqua’s famous Summer Sidewalk Sales.

– Grace

Please remember to tell our participating sponsors that you saw their offer in Inside Chappaqua Magazine, or here! Missed including your special offer here? Contact grace@insidepress.com for details on how we can add yours, too.

ICD Contemporary Jewelry

Blooming with beauty just like our exquisite jewelry, our flowers at ICD Jewelry await your arrival at the sidewalk sale. There will be a 50% discount on all merchandise outside and 20% off in-store. Mention this offer for an additional 10% off. Complimentary consultations on jewelry redesign from Varda too.

914-238-3646

icdjewelry.com

Modern Blow Dry Bar

We are so happy to be a part of the town of Chappaqua. We are a full service salon specializing in blow dries. We also offer cuts, curly cuts, color, hair and scalp treatments and make up. For the sidewalk sale we would like to offer 10% off to new clients. Do come see us!

914-861-2690

modernblowdrybar.com

Petticoat Lane

During Chappaqua’s always amazing sidewalk sale: Stop by for up to 70 percent off handbags, clothing and lingerie! We can’t wait to share our great bargains and wonderful service.

800-913-3911

bagshop.com

Chappaqua Cleaners & Tailors

Want more convenience and flexibility in your schedule? Chappaqua Cleaners & Tailors can help with free pick-up and delivery. New Customer Offer: Set-up an account and receive 20% off your first dry cleaning order. Effective: June 1, 2018 – August 31, 2018. We have proudly served Chappaqua for 84 years!

914-238-3414

chappaquacleaners.com

Desires by Mikolay

Shoppers everywhere are invited for an opportunity to join in the festivities and take advantage of exciting summer savings. Desires by Mikolay will be having their biggest sale of the year, with coveted fine & fashion jewelry at up to 40% off. Follow them on social media for more information and sale exclusives.

914-238-2223

desiresbymikolay.com

hip-kid

Be sure to stop by hip-kid at 77 South Greeley Ave. We’ll have clothes (for babies, kids, teens & moms), toys and accessories at up to 75% off! There will be crafts for kids too so don’t forget to come down! Lots of free parking in the lot behind Bank of America!

914-861-2710

hipkidchapp.myshopify.com

AURA SALON

Aura Salon now offers three floors of Holistic, Organic Beauty Services! Floor 1 features Dry Bar. Floor 2 features Hair Cuts, Manicures and Pedicures. Floor 3 features Color Loft introducing O & M Color products AURA. Always Fresh. Always Natural. Always Beautiful. Visit us for 20% off a color service.

914-238-0091

auraboutiquesalon.com

Chappaqua Paint & Hardware

Chappaqua Paint & Hardware will have some super, first-time deals, and they will include much sought after items. Just one example will be 50% off ALL in stock Caldrea products. No exclusions, and no limits. Many other deals we’re not yet able to advertise. Come check us out!

914-861-2777

chappaquapandh.com

Eye Gallery

We will have a diverse array of frames on sale for up to 75% off! Come pick up a pair (or two or three) from your favorite designer including Dita, Thom Browne, Givenchy, Celine, Morgenthal Frederics, and more.

914 238-5600

eyegalleryny.com

Local Jeweler Supports the SPCA of Westchester

March 8, 2018 by Ilana Schwartz

Walk down King Street in Chappaqua, NY and you’ll spot tons of local businesses. Be it a clothing store, nail salon or a jewelry store–they’re all over. Many of these businesses have been around for decades and have well served the residents of the area. However, these businesses are not just good for selling products to locals, but many also grant significant support to various charities. Desires by Mikolay, one of the jewelers in town, is well known for its support of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, or better known to many as the SPCA located in Briarcliff Manor.

Scott and Tara Mikolay, the powerhouse husband and wife team that owns Desires, became involved with the SPCA in 2008 because of their joint passion for animals. The couple has had six of their own rescue dogs over the years, ranging from an Australian Cattle Dog to an American Bulldog, so the idea of supporting a charity to raise awareness and support for rescue animals was a “natural fit,” according to Tara.

Tara and Scott care so deeply for the SPCA that they wanted to expand their contributions beyond the personal level by getting their business involved. Since 2008, they have hosted Shop for a Cause, a charity shopping event where they donate 10% of the night’s proceeds to the SPCA. This year, Desires had record success, raising over $4,000 over the course of the evening. The night was so successful because of the staff’s dedication to the cause, as well as the love and support brought in by each client.

In total, Desires has raised more than $45,000 for the organization through the annual holiday event as well as by offering “Gifts with Impact” throughout each year. Tara explained that it is incredibly useful to have “a platform in one of the most generous towns in the country.”

Mini, a beloved pug rescued by the Mikolays. She passed away this year at 16 years.

Although shopping for jewelry is one great way to help the SPCA, there are many other ways to get involved. The SPCA is always in need of committed volunteers and they have an Amazon wish list with products they need for the shelters. Even something as simple as liking the SPCA on Facebook can make a difference and according to Tara, “your impact, however big or small, is so meaningful.”

Tara explained that the SPCA is more than just a rescue organization. Their programs range from taking tireless care of each dog they take in to working to change animal abuse laws and education.

Tara and Scott’s connection to the SPCA runs deep. “Rescuing dogs for us is the only option. There are so many dogs in need and we have been blessed with the love of all of our dogs,” Tara said. The couple is even on the lookout for a companion for their current dog, Gus, and they will certainly be looking to rescue. With more than 1,300 orphaned animals rescued at the SPCA last year alone chances are Gus may just find a “furry friend” there.