After 35 years in the heart of Toluca Lake’s Village, Paulanna Cuccinello closed the doors of Pergolina in late May and has transitioned her store exclusively online. It’s the end of an era for the one-of-kind boutique that brought European-inspired goods, gifts and art to the community, but Cuccinello says it’s time for her to embark on a new adventure and “fly free.”
Cuccinello created Pergolina in 1990 within Flowers by Anthony Rose, the shop her parents, Anthony and Rose Chimo, operated on Riverside Drive for 45 years. “I began my journey as an artist, but there was no time for my art,” she recalls. “Pergolina became my canvas…. I let my imagination drive me.”
She took over the space after her parents retired in 1995, sharing her creativity with the neighborhood through her curated array of products while showcasing the talents of local artists through art shows and other events.
When Cuccinello announced she was closing shop in the beginning of the year, she announced a special Pergolina farewell party in February — inviting the community to shop for items and props at reduced prices and to visit the space one last time. More than 400 longtime patrons attended. “So many clients have called or come by to wish me well and to tell me that Pergolina will be missed,” she shares. “This has filled my heart with such joy, and I know that I will miss them, all of them — the daily visits, watching their families grow, listening to their stories. Our farewell party overflowed with love and tears; we danced to mariachi and sang together.”
Reflecting on fond memories from running her boutique, Cuccinello says she holds a special place in her heart for the annual Holiday Open House. “Flowers by Anthony Rose began the Holiday Open House in the late ’60s and invited Ohanian Jewelers (now Generales & Generales) to join them; it was by invitation only,” she says. “The Chamber got wind of it and began promoting it. When Peter Generales became president of the Chamber, he asked if I would like to chair the event. I had no idea what that entailed, but I wanted to create a ‘circus energy.’ I brought back the Christmas caroling truck. We did a tree lighting at Ramsey-Shilling, with every actor from the neighborhood, carolers and bands on every corner. Lights and huge white globes in every tree. I loved every hectic moment of it while running my business!”
While Pergolina will now be fully online at pergolina.com, Cuccinello assures the neighborhood that she will still be a familiar and friendly face at gatherings and will continue to support the community in any way she can. (“I will do whatever Shannon [Hartman] from Priscilla’s asks of me,” she quips.)
“There are no words to describe the tenderness I have felt for all of you. Pergolina has always been a haven for everyone, young and old, the have and have-nots,” she says as a parting message to her supporters. “Be kind to one another, smile at the person on the street, lend a hand, treat all as if they were royalty. We are all the same; we need to be noticed and respected. This will always be the anthem of Pergolina. It has always been for all of you, my lovelies. I will miss you, the visits, the children and the friendships.”