Christine marini

Chief Executive Officer

     My name is Christine and I am a co-owner of the Heart of Hilton Gift Shop. I worked in retail for 13 years, rising to the rank of manager before I left. When I had my daughter and then my son I decided that I did not want to spend all of my time working, so I quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom. I decided to try my hand as an Independent Seller for a couple Direct Selling companies. I had fun while it lasted but ultimately realized that it wasn't for me.
     Creating unique items and crafts was always a hobby of mine and I decided that if I was going to stay home and use crafting as my outlet, my relaxation then I was going to try and make some money doing it.  I created Simply Chic Creations and began going to craft shows with my handmade items. I met Melanya at one of the craft shows I was at and we hit it off. When she told me about what was happening at Jo's Diner I knew I wanted to be a part of it!
    Almost a year into the opening of the Heart of Hilton Gift Shop Melanya came to me and offered me a partnership in the business. Of course I said Yes! We then promptly had the opportunity to move into a prime location in the 4 corners in the literal heart of Hilton and it has been the best decision we have made yet. I believe in this business and cant wait for the future and all the wonderful things it will bring!

Melanya bileschi

Chief executive officer

     My name is Melanya and I'm the founder and original sole owner of the Heart of Hilton Gift Shop, which opened it's doors to the Village of Hilton inside of  what was Jo's diner on 259 & Curtis.The original vision and lunch meeting at the diner with the owner was for me to redecorate the dining area, however, 30 minutes later the meeting went from "let's redecorate the dining area...to yes, let's open an all locally stocked craft store co-op", in the unused front dining room and walk in closet. 28 days later, with 40 different craft vendors filling up every last display unit, the Heart of Hilton Gift Shop opened it's doors on September 6, 2018.
     They say the first year in business is always the hardest, the most taxing financially and the most trying emotionally...I can say without a doubt that yes it was! With many ups and downs, I came to my senses in the fact that I needed a business partner who could carry the weight with me. I turned to local craft show planner, crafter of her own business Simply Chic Creations, a vendor in the shop since day 1-Christine Marini. As a team we led the shop into it's very own stand alone location now right in the 4 corners of the village, in the very heart of Hilton on South Ave.
     With only a year under us and many more ahead of us, personally I hope to keep the Heart of Hilton Gift Shop open and thriving as we continue to gain talented vendors, start our course as Chamber Members in the Hilton Parma Hamlin Chamber of Commerce, continue to lend a helping hand locally to other businesses, organizations and fundraising events, but more importantly, keep our doors open for customers to enjoy the hard work behind unique vendors who sell their items with us.