Marketplace Spotlight
Conversational Threads
8 S. 4th Street | Emmaus, PA | 610.421.8889 | conversationalthreads.com
Conversational Threads is a neighborhood yarn shop and so much more. It’s also a fiber arts studio and a community where crafters of all levels can compare their tips and techniques for various projects in knitting, crocheting, spinning and weaving.
Owner Cindy Fitzpatrick, a lifelong knitter and crocheter, says she wanted to open a shop that sold materials not found anywhere else in the Lehigh Valley, most notably hand-dyed yarn. Since opening her doors in 2009, she has built a loyal customer base throughout the area and has been attracting customers from other states.
Besides the retail side, Fitzpatrick holds a number of classes in knitting, crocheting, and spinning. “We offer beginning and advanced classes, classes on different techniques, and project-based classes,” she says. She also holds occasional workshops and three-to-four special events throughout the year, including a Spring Fashion Show and a Yarn Tasting. “Yarn tasting is an educational events about different yarns where we give people small pieces of yarn so they can try them out,” Fitzpatrick explains. Her goal is to make all of her customers feel welcome and to help them find just what they’re looking for.
Fiber arts have made a big comeback in recent years. As Fitzpatrick says, “People like to give and get handmade things, and there is a lot of satisfaction in the challenge of making things.
Susan Bella Jewelry
1746 W. Allen Street | Allentown, PA | 610.434.8001 | susanbellajewelry.com
Many of life’s significant moments are made extra special by a piece of jewelry to mark the occasion. Susan Linsky and her staff at Susan Bella Jewelry invite you to stop in and browse their selection of one-of-a-kind pieces to help you celebrate your next special moment.
Susan Bella has been in business since 2008. Linsky says what sets her store apart from other jewelers is its emphasis on custom designs. “My favorite thing is to take heirloom pieces that need revamping and sit with the customer to see what I can come up with. I like pieces that have a story, and I love to re-announce a piece. We carry high-quality, unique jewelry that doesn’t need a designer label,” Linsky explains. “We sell fine jewelry that customers won’t find anywhere else,” says Linsky. In addition to their custom work, Susan Bella carries many well-known jewelry lines, including Pandora and Lori Bond, which can fit anyone’s budget. “I take a lot of pride in handpicking every piece. I’ve always been very strict with quality control and that’s what customers expect,” Linsky adds.
What customers may not expect, but be pleasantly surprised to find, is a low-pressure, comfortable shopping experience. Linsky and her staff strive to provide top-notch service and really get to know their customers. “What I believe is that going to a jewelry store should never be an uncomfortable experience – it should feel like family. We’re not looking to just make a sale but to build a relationship.” Linsky is also very active in the community with the Good Shepherd Pediatric Rehabilitation Hospital and the Last Chance Ranch Animal Rescue in Quakertown.
Pearle Vision of Lehigh Valley
240 Lehigh Valley Mall #201 | Whitehall, PA 18052 | 610.264.8537
Pearle Vision has been a leader in the optical world for more than 50 years. They are known for their excellence in customer service, experienced medical staff and wide selection of frames and contact lenses.
Phi Nguyen and Sunil Gauba, franchise owners of Pearle Vision in the Lehigh Valley Mall, continue the tradition of excellence that founder Dr. Stanley Pearle established in 1961. Gauba has been a successful business owner for 30 years and Nguyen has worked for Pearle for over 12 years. Customers can receive a complete eye exam as well as browse the newest styles in eyewear or try out contact lenses. The team at Pearle Vision believes in stocking eyewear by top designers that reflect the latest trends and appeal to both children and adults. Customers can also be sure that the team stays current on the latest in eye care and can answer any questions they may have. Pearle Vision accepts almost all insurances and is confident that their prices will easily match competitors’. Nguyen and Gauba also own a second Pearle Vision location in Plymouth Meeting.
New patients are always welcome. The Valley location is on the upper level of the Lehigh Valley Mall near the mall’s main exit.
Cloud Nine Country Kennels
146 Hunterforge Road | Macungie, PA | 610.845.7330 | cloud9kennel.com
When a family goes away on vacation or to visit friends or relatives, they want to leave their pets in good hands.
The staff at Cloud Nine Country Kennels goes out of their way to treat your pet like one of their own. Situated on a 30-acre country estate, Cloud Nine is a full-service, 5-star pet resort, offering extended stay lodging and short-term day care for dogs, cats, and small furry and non-furry pets. Owner Cyndi Huff-Walters and her staff also offer pet grooming and transportation services. While you’re away, rest assured Fluffy or Fido is having their own getaway at Cloud Nine, where they are enjoying homemade gourmet meals daily (including specialties like doggie ice cream and gourmet mashed potato treats), stories at bedtime and even massages. Cloud Nine hosts catnip tea parties for felines, group and individual playtime, and holiday meals.
“We utilize every acre of the property,” Huff-Walters says. “We have creek splashing in the summertime, and our units have fully heated floors so our guests stay warm in the winter and air conditioning so they stay cool in the summer. We do require that all of the dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations.” Huff-Walters invites any “pet parents” curious about the accommodations at Cloud Nine to stop by for a free tour or book a free trial overnight stay for their pet. “We are vet recommended, and most of our referrals come from vets and satisfied customers,” she says.
