WESTFIELD-World traveler Julie Cecchini Cook has always had a desire to create and inspire other people, and in 1994, she started Terra Americana with that premise in mind.
“From our humble beginnings of setting up tables at farmers’ markets to collaborations with Fortune 500 companies, we have been blessed with success and loyalty from all over the globe,” said Cecchini Cook, who is busy preparing the Terra Americana showroom at 382 Southampton Road for its reopening on Nov. 28.
The reopening also coincides with Small Business Saturday, a nationwide effort to encourage consumers to “shop small” and support their local communities.
Many gift ideas at Terra Americana in Westfield are already packaged with imaginative themes, including a “Cranberry Delights Gift Box.” (JULIE CECCHINI COOK PHOTO)
The showroom will be open for the holiday season Nov. 28 through Jan. 3. Shop hours will be Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Thursday hours will be extended until 7 p.m. The showroom will be closed Dec. 24, 25, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
Cecchini Cook noted that the showroom is only open during the Christmas holidays since the majority of her business is on the wholesale side.
“We are encouraging customers who are concerned with social distancing to check out the Etsy shop,” she said, adding, “They can pre-order online or call or email us to place orders for pick up.” Orders can be made by calling (413) 562-2042 or sending an email to [email protected]. For custom creations, an email can be sent to [email protected].
Every year before the showroom closes for the season, Cecchini Cook also hosts a ‘Give and Give Back Sale.’ Next month, the event is slated Dec. 20-23.
“It is a time to give and get back; give a little, get a lot,” she said.
Cecchini Cook said Terra Americana is best known for its “simple sweets, soups, and gourmet products.”
“Today there are people enjoying our spice blends all over the United States and Canada,” she said, adding, “even a sprinkling in Europe and the Caribbean.”
There are a wide variety of gourmet herbal vinegars at Terra Americana in Westfield. (JULIE CECCHINI COOK PHOTO)
Since Cecchini Cook is in the process of rolling out a new website which will go live in January, she said browsing and shopping is available 24/7 on her Etsy store. The link is: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraAmericana. She is offering 20% off orders of $20 or more with a coupon offer at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraAmericana?coupon=HOLIDAY2020. A free pickup link is also found at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TerraAmericana?coupon=FREEPICKUP.
For persons perusing Terra Americana offerings – more than 430 at press time – one will find an extensive list of categories ranging from beverages, botanical essentials, spice blends, and gourmet vinegars and oils, to home decor, breakfast items and gift ideas. Additionally, inventive categories include “creative kitchens,” “for bakers,” “for cooks,” and “immediate gratification.” There are also products she offers for pets, as well as a page of antiques, ranging from tins and a vintage syrup dispenser to a crystal bell.
For those ready to start baking for the holiday season, a fun “Moose Tracks” thumbprint chocolate cookie mix is one of many offered, and a “Harvest Fruit Dip Mix” is comprised of cinnamon, nutmeg, coriander and special pure orange extract. Also a delight to the senses is a “Cranberry Delight Gift Box” brimming with ingredients for Mayflower cranberry stuffing, cranberry hermit bars, and cranberry white and dark chocolate. All items – whether packaged single or in a gift box – come in beautifully executed packaging.
Cecchini Cook said what sets her products apart from others on the retail side is her “recipes,” and on the wholesale side, the “customization” she is able to offer.
A “Moose Tracks” mix for chocolate thumbprint cookies is a popular item at Terra Americana in Westfield. (JULIE CECCHINI COOK PHOTO)
“I enjoy integrating with customers and coming up with innovative ideas for their promotions,” she said, adding she also has a special category, “wholesale/favors,” for any occasion.
“We make our products to order,” she said.
Cecchini Cook said Terra Americana came to life out of a need to bring people together and create memories.
“All types of people in all stages of life are welcome to be a part of our story,” she said.
