A historic building in downtown Christiansted, vacant since Hurricane Hugo destroyed its roof, has been turned into a sophisticated perfumery by the third-generation property owner.
Janine Schuster, current owner and operator of Bougainvillea at 41 King, has photos of her mother and grandmother, the former owners, on display with her childhood photo in the center of the elegant store.
“I have such memories of going to Violettes when I was 12 or 13. I always liked fragrances and when I retired from the Department of Education, I said, ‘This is me.’”
During the 2017 hurricanes, Schuster’s shop in Sunny Isle was destroyed. When one of the important perfume representatives saw the remains and then the King Street location, he said he assumed she would reopen the business in Christiansted. So, she did.
Bougainvillea carries 50-55 brands with the anchor — Chanel — “the queen of lines.” Over the years, Chanel has blended different scents – all found at Bougainvillea. Chance for young ladies and Mademoiselle, Coco and Gabrielle as they become more sophisticated. The iconic Chanel #5 is preferred by mature women.
Other brands include Lalique, Gucci, Cartier, Dior, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Carolina Herrera, and more.
There are lots of new fragrances — Henry Rose, Marly Valaya, Golden Rule and Angels’ Share. Older ones that have been retired include Chantilly, Wind Song, White Shoulders and Red.
Currently, Herrera’s La Bomba is one of the most popular scents at Bougainvillea, according to Schuster, because it has a unique scent. She has sold out over and over and is now waiting for a new shipment.
Bougainvillea also carries fashion designer Wayne James’s gender-neutral fragrances — Freedom, Rebellion and Celebration.
In addition to fragrances, Bougainvillea carries the Shiseido line of skin care, including sunscreen for children and a line of scents for babies and children.
In the center of the shop, photos are displayed of Schuster as a little girl, her mother, Rita Schuster, and grandmother, Ansetta (Annie) de Chabert. Near the huge bouquet of bougainvillea in the main room, a wedding photo of Schuster’s parents is featured.
According to historian George Tyson’s research, the property was probably an apothecary in 1774-75 and was allegedly owned by attorney James Tower until around 1795.
He recorded three others as owners until 1835, when Nicholas Schmuck and Anna Schmuck used the building as their home and a store, along with 40 King Street, until around 1865.
Tyson did not name any owners after 1915. But Schuster remembered the space was occupied by Marco Insurance for many years before her grandparents took over.
The store is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact at 340-719-6020 and contact@bougainvillea41king.com.
St. Croix Source
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