Business & Tech
The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Jane
Second in a Series of Women Entrepreneurs in Pearl River
Who is Jane?
Jane is Jane Carroll. Carroll is the woman behind Jane's on Main at 15 Main Street in Pearl River. A flower house, coffeehouse, lifestyle design boutique and gift haven like no other. Jane took classes at Parsons School of Design in Manhattan 22 years ago when her son was born wanting to create her own business from home. A girl from The Bronx, Jane has creativity running through her veins. Jane started small with events near home and eventually opened her own shop in Irvington, NY at Bridge Street Properties.
Why was Jane on Oprah?
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“I was tired of being poor," Carroll said.
So in August 2001 Carroll wrote to Oprah Winfrey like millions of other small business owners wanting her designs to appear on the “O” Favorite Things list.
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“Three days after the letter Oprah’s office contacted me. One percent of all businesses in the world get on her list!” said Carroll.
In February 2002 Carroll’s “boxed in blooms” appeared on Oprah’s list.
“The snowball started,” Carroll said.
Carroll then appeared in People Magazine, In Style, The Daily News, The Journal News and was on Barbara Walters and ABC’s The View.
When did Jane Land in Vegas?
After all the notoriety, the president of Caesar’s Palace in Vegas called Carroll and asked her to work for him.
“I did two weeks in Irvington and two weeks in Vegas for two years,” Carroll said. “It was brutal.”
When the hotel changed names and that president left, so did Carroll. In 2006 she bought a house in Nyack.
“My son and I renovated the whole house,” said Carroll.
How did Jane’s Dog save her Life?
In February 2007 there was a fire in the Nyack house in the middle of the night. Guinness, Carroll’s American Bull Dog woke her and her son and saved their lives.
In July of that year, Carroll suffered a heart attack.
“I had a 99.9% blockage,” she explains.
Carroll had just turned 40 years old. In September 2008 when the market crashed, her business suffered terribly so she gave up the large space in Irvington.
“I always wanted a coffee house.” Carroll said, smiling as she spoke.
Why Pearl River?
Carroll still lives in Nyack, but opened Jane's on Main in October of 2009.
“I want to be part of this community. My mother, brothers, sister and their families live here,” Carroll said of Pearl River.
Carroll describes herself as a bartender without the booze. She loves the people that come to her shop and they are her favorite part of her job.
Why is she in front of a large camera?
Carroll will be appearing on April 3 at 7:30 a.m. on MSNBC’s show “Your Business.” The afternoon of Feb. 28, full camera and crew were filming and interviewing Carroll and her very loyal clients. The MSNBC crew is expected to return for more shots and interviews today.
Where is the party?
Carroll is hoping to have a party the morning of the msnbc debut. So those who are up early, check with Carroll first for confirmation and then head down to the shop. Mimosas will be served.
What does Jane Sell?
Caroll sells outstanding floral arrangements, coffee, teas, lunch and desserts; she is also a lifestyle design expert. She sells local art, jewelry and house wares. And Jane still handles special events. Sit with a laptop with Carroll’s WIFI or just sit with a cup of coffee and peruse Jane's on Main’s magazine selection. Bring the kids, lots of toys to go around and a special children’s area.
Carroll has made her mark by distinguishing her brand from the typical floral design & design companies. She continues to be in the forefront of cutting edge fresh floral designing, event planning, and interior designing.
From intimate dinner parties, elaborate weddings to charity events, no occasion is too big or small for Jane and her staff.
Carroll has handled Rosie O’Donnell’s children's charity event as well as other celebrities, corporations, teachers, fireman, small business owners, college grads including Meredith Vieira’s assistants wedding at Vieira’s home in Westchester.
Carroll has also provided interior design services for Sir Elton John at his penthouse when she was with Caesars Palace.
Who visits Jane?
Familes, couples, children, local Moms, students. Everybody is welcome. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the conversation is a delight.
What was Jane’s favorite Special Event?
“It was a Bar Mitzvah at Lyndhurst Castle in Tarrytown. The young man loved everything food.” Carroll explaind.
Every table had a sculpture of fresh food. Carroll made pyramids out of chocolate bars and donuts. Every table had a different “food” theme.
“At the adult tables,” Carroll said. “I did oyster shells with fresh flowers, I did a tart pan and made flowers look like little muffins.”
How does Jane offer Dinner and a Show, book nights and flower classes?
Carroll has a “small independent Film night” every other month at her shop. She includes full dinner, coffee teas and dessert for $20pp. It’s sort of a BYOB style night as well. On the opposite month Carroll holds a book night.
“You have to see this place with the candles lit and the music pumping,” Carroll said.
She also offers flower classes mostly before the Holidays. Make your own centerpiece. Jane says to come by during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, she will be holding an Open House at the shop.
You can find more information about Jane's on Main in our directory listing or at www.janecarrollflowers.com.
For $200 Carroll will come to your home and assist with decorating and choosing paint colors for your home. For as little as $20 Carroll will make you a “one-of-a-kind” floral design.
