10 Questions for Saratoga's Barn Owl Owner Leslee Warwick

Formerly a bookkeeper for 15 years, Leslee Warwick recently opened her own business, The Barn Owl. She grew up in Campbell and her grandparents lived in Saratoga. She says she's always loved Saratoga and its surrounding communities. When she walked into her present location, 14440 Big Basin Way, suite 11, she said she felt it was the right place to open her gift shop. Warwick said she's tried, with the help of her husband, to create a charming and comfortable environment for people to shop. "It is my goal to become a gift destination for anyone looking for a gift for someone special and for any occasion," she said. Her store's hours of operation are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Closed on Mondays. Details: 408 872-1032, or visit the business' Facebook page by clicking here. 

Saratoga Patch: What did you dream of being as a kid?

Leslee Warwick: A teacher.

Patch: How does your personality play into your business?

Warwick: I am addicted to shopping, and try to bring the best value I can
to all my customers. I also try to be helpful without being pushy, and believe in customer service above all.

Patch: At what moment did you decide to open a business?

Warwick: When my daughter wanted to fulfill her dream. She wanted to
open a doggy daycare and store.

Patch: What inspired you?

Warwick: Traveling, art galleries, and every small gift store I have ever been in.

Patch: Describe the biggest challenge of owning a business in the Saratoga ?

Warwick: I am back in a corner of the Saratoga Village Shopping Center, and people don't always see me back here in the corner, and also there is not a lot
of foot traffic in this part of the Village.

Patch: Describe the best thing about owning a business in Saratoga?

Warwick: The Village is a quaint, gorgeous place to be. It is full of history and
the tree lined streets give you a feeling of going back in time, to a more relaxed era. The village also has a strong connection to the past and brings a feeling of community that I don't think I have ever know in any other town.

Patch: What is one thing you would never change about your business?

Warwick: I would not change what I want the store to feel like when people walk in, a warm comfortable friendly place to be.

Patch: What is your business' greatest asset?

Warwick: Besides me, LOL, my mural. Jayne Koontz, who painted it, did a wonderful job and it brings a nice ambiance to the store!

Patch: What is your favorite spot in town?

Warwick: That is very hard as I like the whole village. I would have to say standing on the sidewalk looking up toward the mountains.

Patch: What's one thing the community should know about you?

Warwick: I want to bring a smile to everyone who walks into the store.