Aimée deSimone of Berte
Aimée deSimone, owner of Berte, used to travel frequently for her fast-paced job in the television industry; she loved that the trips gave her a chance to visit local small businesses in each new location. She’d take time browsing and getting to know the people behind the stores, with no idea that she’d soon be one of them.
After a decade in film and television production, Aimée felt in need of a career change. She explored options - improv, cooking, a new home - but what stuck was her love for curating beautiful objects for an intentional, slow lifestyle. Aimée started Berte as an ecommerce shop while still working in television, and after some time began selling at maker markets on the weekends to get to know customers. This way of operating Berte was exciting and productive, but the hustle it required went against the slowness that she’d been seeking in starting Berte. She realized she was ready for the next step: quitting her day job. From there, it was just one more leap to opening Berte’s brick-and-mortar location in Beacon, NY. The store is focused on supporting a diverse range of independent makers by introducing customers to brands they may not otherwise have heard of, and on helping customers find delight in everyday household objects.
MAKING MOVES: Aimée’s settling in, and Berte’s right at home.
NAME: Aimée deSimone
CITY: Beacon, NY
ONE WAY YOUR SMALL BUSINESS MAKES AN IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITY: During the pandemic, our little shop became this soothing resource for people who were focusing more on their home and overall well being. To think about all the ceramics, incense, blankets, pillows - and yes, even smokeware - that found its way into the homes of Beacon residents (and our friends from NYC and beyond!), gives me a great sense of joy.
BIGGEST SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR BERTE: My fellow humans. I thrive on the energy of those around me and am always looking for ways to excite and surprise people.
GO-TO GIFT FOR FRIENDS (OR ANYONE!): A mug by my dear friend Alexis Tellefsen. She’s a gem and her ceramics are *chef’s kiss*.
Shop shopberte.com
Follow @shopberte