The first time Judy Graham set foot in Rye 35 years ago, sipping coffee with a friend as the sun rose at Oakland Beach, she knew it was a special place.
Nearly a decade later, she had opened her first store in Larchmont, PINK on Palmer. Despite being new to retail and business ownership, Graham’s enthusiasm and talent for connecting with customers helped her shop thrive, leading her in 2019 to open a second location in Rye, the community that had first inspired her.
But this month, Graham made the decision to end her retail career, closing PINK after five years in business. It was a difficult choice, she said, but Graham is confident it’s the right one. As she’s told her heartbroken customers, she has four very good reasons for shutting her doors: her grandsons Graham, Archie, Billy, and Jack.
“I am in my 70s and life has become more fragile and precious,” Graham said. “I want to focus on being with them.” She’s looking forward to having more time to take trips with family and spend time with friends.
While the store flourished, it wasn’t without challenges and learning opportunities — especially considering PINK opened shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The experience taught her a lot both about business and herself.
“I learned that just when you want to throw the towel in, go to bed and tomorrow will be a new day,” she said. “I learned that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness. I learned that I am a big picture person and not great with the details. Luckily, I have had Sue Lafata as my store manager, and she is a great detail person.”
Graham’s decision to close reflects her philosophy of business. She never had any interest in operating an online shop — what mattered most was getting to know her customers and providing them with a warm and welcoming experience.
Throughout her five years on Purchase Street, Graham has become a cornerstone of the community. Her inviting nature has turned patrons into friends and she has been a sounding board for those who have had family struggles or have recently lost a loved one. She even had women go into labor while shopping!
What makes the downtown Rye community particularly special, Graham said, is the merchants’ eagerness to participate in local activities like Mistletoe Magic and the Little League and Rye Girls’ Softball Parade. The parade is Graham’s personal favorite, and it makes her feel as though she’s in a Norman Rockwell painting. Fellow shop owners, like Sarah Briginshaw of SARZA and Benan Cakar of Chakarr, have become treasured confidants, and she has been moved throughout the years by how Rye’s shop owners support the town’s schools, churches, and nonprofits.
“Rye is very fortunate to have such a vibrant downtown,” said Graham. “Small independent stores enhance a community — any realtor will tell you that having a downtown like Rye is a real selling feature.”
These days, Graham resides in Waters Edge and takes early morning walks to see the sun rise over Oakland Beach, just as she did her very first time in Rye.
“I have learned it’s the little things that matter,” Graham said. “My life is good and I am grateful.”
