Arlene and Zidi at 'da beach'...is it snow or sand, grandma?
Arlene recently retired as our San Francisco sales rep and moved to Florida to be closer to her family. Arlene was much more than a sales rep (and good friend!), she was actually very instrumental in getting things ‘off the ground’ for us. She is originally a New Yorker, but transplanted here so early that she has a very California kind of vibe – but with a NY edge! She always pushed for us to move forward – seeing the potential that Paul brought to the table.
When Paul first started le•top, he literally had 5 t-shirts in a briefcase (made by our family’s factory in Malaysia.) They had silly animal screens, or goofy sayings like “I can’t help it – I’m cute!” Arlene saw beyond the silliness to the manufacturing potential of the beautiful, high-quality cotton fabric that is one of the hallmarks of our company. I will never forget it – I was still working at a ‘real job’ (with a paycheck) and Paul called me to say, “I hired our first rep today!” I said, “Great! What is she like?” He responded, “She looks kind of like that model, Cheryl Tiegs.” I said, “Oh. Maybe not so great!” But we became great friends and co-workers in the ’cause.’ Arlene is very savvy, doesn’t mince words and was an incredible force with whom to work. I really miss her!
Our loss, however, is her family’s gain, as Arlene is one enormously devoted and doting grandmother to her granddaughter, Zidi. It’s an odd twist that “grandma” goes to Florida to be with her grandchild, instead of the other way around, but the photos Arlene sends to keep us updated lets us see how happy and thriving they are in sunny Florida. We’d love to hear from all the grandparents who want to show off their grandchildren!
Oh My Gosh..Zidi is so cute! Arlene must be loving being with her. Wow Arlene, love the pink rabbit moon outfit! Miss you too.
Love the beach, love the blog. Can’t be old enough to be Grandma. Miss you all too.
HOHOHO Arlene (who’s not old enuf to be grandma)
Hi Everyone!
I miss all of you too, all of the time. Went shopping for baby clothes today and was held back by my “professional eye” and opinion. Sooo opinionated but I kept quiet for once. Nothing matches le top. This morning I had Zidi in bed with me and we played with a little pink flamingo purse. She laughed so hard at the legs walking along by their little bean bag fillings. No one else pays attention to detail like you do. But of course you all know that. How ironic that now that I have a granddaughter I stoop to retail shopping!
Merry Christmas Kathy, Karen, Julie, Dennis, Pat, Bao, Virginia, Sandy, Linda etcetcetc. Have a great holiday. It vacillates from 30 to 80 deg. here in the Bay Area of Tampa, what a ride.
Love, Arlene