10 Questions for Voluptuary Owner Tricia Hancock

Voluptuary Los Gatos opened at the site of the former Bath Etc. location, 139 No. Santa Cruz Ave., in August of this year after owner Tricia Hancock took over the previous business' lease. The word "voluptuary" is a noun meaning a person devoted to luxurious living and sensual pleasures. Hancock has changed a lot of the store's inventory and has added her own new merchandise such as jewelry, clothing and accessories. The business' website is still under construction. Hancock has two part-time employees. Its hours of operation are 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday. Details: voluptuarylg@gmail.com, or 408-402-3642.

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

Tricia Hancock: A dancer and an actress.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Hancock: A lot of the things I sell are my own designs, like the jewelry. I also love people and love talking to them and meeting them. It's one of my greatest pleasures ... to meet people in the community and visitors ... We get a lot of visitors from out of the country and out of town. I like socializing with them.

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

Hancock: When the former owner approached me about taking over his lease, I already had a business for the past 17 years. I do fundraisers for hospitals with my jewelry. They are temporary locations and I donate the money to the hospitals. I'm going to a hospital in Antioch on Thursday and Friday. That business is called CosmoGems and now operates out of this location.

Patch: What inspired you?

Hancock: My love of beautiful things.

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

Hancock: There are many challenges such as increasing rents ... getting the word around that we're here and that we've got great merchandise.

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

Hancock: It's such a great community. I've lived here now for 22 years. People love this town and they really do try to support the stores.

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

Hancock: That's a tough question. You're always evolving. I would never change the fact that we're constantly changing. That's the exciting part.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Hancock: I really like to get to know my customers. I like to know what it is they want.

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Hancock: Vasona Park ... I remember taking my kids there when they were little. I have such good memories of them playing on the structures. It's maintained so beautifully.

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

Hancock: I try to give my customers the best personal service possible. I had six stores in Los Angeles for 20 years. I started really young, at 19. I then ended up with one very large store and I catered to movie producers, directors, actors and I dressed many of them. Some of my clients were Goldie Hawn, Phyllis Ellis, Bette Midler and every major star. I also worked with a lot of singers.