By Page H. Gifford
Correspondent
Did you grow up in Fluvanna?
Yes
Tell us about yourself and your family.
I come from a large family, the youngest of many siblings. I have one daughter, LaTonja who lives in Fluvanna. My mother and some of my siblings also live in Fluvanna while other siblings live in other parts of Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina.
I’ve been a realtor with Long and Foster at Lake Monticello since June 2019. I also have a side business called The Elephantz Trunk, which I started in Fork Union several years ago but is now located at 68 Heritage Drive in Palmyra.
What prompted you to start The Elephantz Trunk?
It started out as a part-time adventure. I wanted a way to feed my creative side and offer the community something different.
What are your goals for the business?
To grow and become a premier custom upholsterer in the area, offering full decorating services. I already offer a custom re-upholstery service in the customer’s choice of fabric and have custom-designed and reupholstered antique and vintage-inspired furniture in the boutique.
Who taught you to upholster furniture?
My mother.
Where do you find your pieces to upholster, refinish, paint, etc.?
All over; estate sales, yard sales, antique stores thrift stores, etc.
Do you have anything else featured in your boutique?
In addition to furniture, the boutique also features gifts, jewelry, home decorating accessories, bath and body items, locally sourced wine and gourmet foods, and antiques.
What do you like about living in Fluvanna and owning a business?
Small community, family presence.
