10 Questions for Romantiques Lingerie Owner Susan Testa

Meet the Owner is a weekly column that features business owners in the town of Los Gatos. Los Gatos Patch asks each owner the same 10 questions every week so the community can get to know the people behind our local businesses. 

Susan Testa opened  in the summer of 1994 to satisfy a craving for being her own boss and filling a niche in her favorite small town.

Over the past 17 years, she has expanded her boutique to carry a variety of lingerie products in many different styles. Aside from lingerie, Romantiques also has clothing and a line of bridal accessories. She has a love for Los Gatos and the people in the area and works hard to create a friendly and helpful atmosphere in her store. 

10 Questions, Shoot!

Los Gatos Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid? 

Susan Testa: As a kid, an actress. My dream was to open a boutique when I was in college.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business? 

Testa: This is like my home. My personality is everything. It is really important that I am here or that one of my employees that cares as much as I do is here. It's like shopping with a friend. We aren't pushy and just try to help out.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business? 

Testa:  I guess it was when I was working in Santa Cruz doing retail and realized that I could do it in my hometown and fill a niche that was open at the time. 

Patch: What inspired you?

Testa: Being empowered to be your own boss and being in control of every single aspect is inspiring to me. 

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Testa: Trying to control the level of quality and service without being here all the time. Also, staying on trend, but not too trendy, and offering the right mix of products at the right price points. 

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in the town of Los Gatos?

Testa: This is my hometown, and I still love it as much as I did when I was being raised here. It is a small town which I really enjoy. 

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Testa:  I think you have to adapt to change with current trends, because that is how you become successful. But I would never change myself as the owner of the business. 

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Testa:  The bra-fitting services we offer. I have been doing it for 17 years, so it is second nature to me. Jessica Murawsky, who has worked here for 11 years, is also excellent. All employees go through a training to become excellent bra-fitter.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Testa: Los Gatos Creek Trail

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Testa: I was born and raised here and am raising my children here with my high school sweetheart. We give back to all the local schools as the major charity effort of the business.