Santa Clarita Signal, September 16th, 1998
"Olivia's Doll House gives girls a place to make believe"
Olivia's Doll House gives girls a place to make believe
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By MARIA L. TORRES
Signal Business Writer
Wednesday, September 16, 1998
Offering a variety of glittery ball gowns and fashion accessories to sample, Olivia's Doll House Tea Room in Newhall lets young girls celebrate their birthdays in style, according to owners Tom and Jeanine Trikilis.
Established by the husband and wife business team four years ago, Olivia's Doll House provides catered parties in an elaborately decorated "doll house" atmosphere.
"These parties are so special that kids remember them forever," said Tom Trikilis. "It's totally different. It's a festive kind of place."
With the guidance of adult party leaders, children have the opportunity to engage in dress up and make up activities, participate in a fashion show and attend a catered "tea" party.
"We do it all," said Jeanine Trikilis. "All the parents have to do is remember to send out the invitations."
The special event parties are intended to appeal to girls four through 12 years of age, who are most likely to raid 'mommy's' closet and play dress up, said Tom and Jeanine Trikilis. During the parties, the children can choose from over 100 gowns to wear as well as from an eclectic array of hats, shoes, tiaras, purses, jewelry and make up.
"These are parties that the moms enjoy as much as the children," said Tom Trikilis. "Sometimes the moms dress up too."
Soon after opening in 1994, business at Olivia's Doll House took off, according to the local couple. They have opened two additional locations in Thousand Oaks and Beverly Hills within the last three years and said they hope to continue expanding the business in the coming year.
Tentative expansion plans for 1999 include new Olivia's Doll House locations in San Francisco, San Diego, Irvine, Las Vegas and Phoenix, said Tom and Jeanine Trikilis.
Their nine-year-old daughter Olivia, the namesake of the growing family business, occasionally offers her parents a little business advice.
"She definitely has a huge impact," said Jeanine Trikilis with a smile. "She sees it all through the eyes of a child."
According to Jeanine and Tom Trikilis, the children's parties at Olivia's Doll House differ dramatically from those offered at more traditional venues, such as burger and pizza restaurant establishments.
"It's just a very special party," said Tom Trikilis. "Plus, (kids) can go to those places everyday. We're only open for scheduled private parties."
Jeanine Trikilis took the comparison one step further.
"It's like comparing a carnival to Disneyland," she said. "In fact, the best compliment we've ever gotten is from kids who say they prefer to celebrate their birthdays here instead of going to Disneyland."
It seems that the Trikilis family has taken that compliment to heart. Located at 22700 Lyons Avenue, the sign above the front entrance to Olivia's Doll House reads, "The Second Happiest Place on Earth."
©1998, THE SIGNAL · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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