New Owner, New Name for Precieuse Papers

In an age of e-cards and texting, Pleasantville's offers a refreshingly classic alternative method of communication.

Pleasantville resident Carolyn Atamian, who previously worked as a pastry chef in the Old Village, took over the reigns at the 11-year Wheeler Avenue staple in May.

"I actually came in for invitations for myself a while back," she said. "At some point along the way, I found out the previous owner was interested in selling eventually."

Atamian explained, "I thought it over and it seemed like a good idea at the time."

She said she was attracted to the creative element of the business and hopes to embrace her artistic side while at the helm.

"I've always appreciated stationary and stationary products," she explained. "I feel like it's a more personal form of communication, especially with computers."

Atamian added she was attracted to the fact that Precios Papers was already well-established with a solid customer base that appreciates the wide selection of stationary, invitations, gifts and jewelry offered in the shop.

"I'm interested in really building on that and trying to maybe bring in some new things for my customers that maybe they haven't seen before," she said.

The new owner and sole employee has so far done some painting, rearranging and introduced new invitations, gifts and greeting cards to the store.

"I'm trying to bring in something fresh," she said.

Atamian has also changed the business' name from Precios to Precieuse. She said her classic French pastry training and ties to the French culture inspired the change. She also cited a 17th century tradition involving a gathering of women in salons who would discuss romantic literature.

"It was all based on romance and love," she said. "So I thought the [name] was kind of romantic."

On Thursday, Atamian will be hosting an "Under New Management" Party to give locals the opportunity to check out the store's new offerings, as well as enjoy discounts on some of the merchandise.

"I purchased so many things, so I wanted to have a way to try to clear out some of the older things to make room for new stuff," she revealed. "And I also wanted to kind of announce to everyone there's a new owner in town and [let them] check it out and see what they think."

Said Atamian, "Whether it's a wedding or a party, whatever the special occasion, I want to be able to provide the right gift or the right invitation."

The Under New Management Party will take place at 71 Wheeler Ave. from 5 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, with favors and gifts for attendees. Some merchandise will be have 10-50 percent discounts and Atamian is offering free return addressing for in-store invitation orders more than $200.