She wanted to grow up to be a beautiful ballerina, but sometimes young dreams fold out with a twist and so it was so for Natalia Foltea.
She actually became purchasing manager at Mardi Gras Supplies in Gulfport, and not surprisingly, she sells a ballerina necklace — and it’s one of the store’s bestsellers. She hopes the piece will inspire other young girls to follow their dreams.
“Adding value to a business is the ability to see the business through the customers’ eyes. We are constantly working on understanding what is important for our targeted market and how our products benefit our customers.” — Natalia Foltea
Foltea worked as an attorney for more than 10 years before she decided to take a different path in her career. She had traveled to Gulfport seven years ago from Romania to visit a friend. During this downtime, she decided she wanted to improve her English and learn more about business. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College was “affordable and had good reviews,” she says, so she registered to pursue a degree in business administration.
Manny Peixoto, owner of Mardi Gras Supplies, recognized her abilities and offered her a position at his retail store. “I enjoyed my work so much that I decided to stay and be part of the great team we have,” Foltea says.
The two seem to work well together, keeping the 65,000-square-foot store loaded with beads, throws, decorations, masks, party supplies costumes and fashion accessories. Foltea notes, “I always say: One mind is good, but two minds are better! We always discuss and listen to each other before we make any decision. Collaboration is the key to success.”
For those wanting to let the good times roll during the Carnival season, Mardi Gras Supplies has become the best place to shop locally. “We have the largest selection of Mardi Gras beads on the Coast,” Foltea says. “We sell the beads individually, by the case and by the pallet to local and out of state customers, krewes, businesses, gift shops and more.”
Though Fat Tuesday is still weeks away, the store already has seen a 35 percent increase in sales compared to last year. This means a lot to both Foltea and Peixoto, who promotes shopping local every chance they get.
Peixoto, born in Naples, Italy, came to the U.S. to visit his girlfriend at Harvard 42 years ago. He did not intend to stay, but after the two traveled to California, they ran out of money. He called an aunt in Gulfport, asking if he could stay for a few days until his parents could send money from Italy. Well, he never made that return trip. After five years working as a nurse at Memorial Hospital, he started his wholesale import business at home in 1985 importing novelties and toys. He opened his first store 30 years ago and moved five times before choosing Pass Road location. In 1997, he launched a Mardi Gras online store.
Mardi Gras revelry kicked off in December and will be in high swing until Fat Tuesday, which is Feb. 13, but the retail enterprise also sells decorations, crafts and party supplies for other celebrations: Gasparilla Parades, St. Patrick’s Day, Fourth of July, luaus and Christmas decorations. Mardi Gras Supplies also ships to Canada, Germany and England.
“Our targeted customers are carnival krewes, event planner businesses, large chains of restaurants, casinos, sport events and more,” says Foltea who orders items from all over the U.S. and has a few suppliers outside the States as well.
A staff of 8-10 people work year-round to keep the store stocked and customers serviced. An additional 30 or so workers are hired to help handle the Mardis Gras and St. Patrick’s Day busyness.
Many might not be aware of it, but Mardi Gras Supplies also offers custom-made necklaces and other promotional items for krewes, restaurant chains and other businesses.
Foltea stays focused on ensuring Mardi Gras Supplies offer customers the products they are seeking at the best prices.
She has learned many lessons from Peixoto and others, most importantly is that you must take care of your employees. “Treat them with respect and listen,” she says. “If I follow this rule I can accomplish anything.”
“My role model is my father, who had a career as a mechanical engineer more than 50 years,” Foltea says. “He taught me that with hard work, honesty, respect and perseverance you can achieve anything you desire in life.”
Special section sponsored by Mardi Gras Supplies