Today we’d like to introduce you to Ginger Alemaghides.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My journey with Summer House began long before I became the owner. I was a vendor at Summer House for 12 years, so the store and its customers were already a meaningful part of my life. When the opportunity arose to purchase the business about two and a half years ago, it felt like a natural next chapter.
Furniture and décor have always been a passion of mine. Over the years, that passion has included everything from building farmhouse tables from scratch to traveling to special destinations around the world in search of talented artisans and distinctive pieces with character and a story.
I also bring more than 30 years of experience in the plant and garden industry to Summer House. That background has allowed me to blend furniture, décor, plants, and garden elements in a way that makes the store feel both inspiring and welcoming.
Since becoming the owner, I have worked to make Summer House a destination where customers can discover an ever-changing mix of new and vintage furniture, home décor, lighting, plants, garden pieces, and unexpected treasures. I want people to enjoy wandering through the store and finding something they didn’t even know they were looking for.
Owning a small business requires hard work, creativity, and a willingness to keep learning and adapting. I am very hands-on, from selecting merchandise and creating displays to helping customers find the right pieces for their homes. Summer House continues to grow and evolve, but its heart remains the same: distinctive pieces, personal service, and a warm, creative atmosphere filled with possibility.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Lol, “smooth” would probably not be the word I would use! Within months of purchasing Summer House, Hurricane Helene brought 43 inches of floodwater into the store, resulting in a complete loss for both me and all of our vendors.
Through a great deal of sweat, tears, and determination, we rebuilt quickly and reopened just 10 days later—only to close again and remove everything from the store in preparation for Hurricane Milton. That storm brought another 23 inches of water.
It was an incredibly difficult beginning, but we persevered. The experience showed me just how resilient our Summer House family could be, and the support we received from the South Tampa community was extraordinary. Our customers have been a true joy, and their encouragement and loyalty helped give us the strength to keep moving forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bohemian Gypsea?
Before officially purchasing Summer House Furniture and Decor, I owned and operated several garden centers. My most recent was Bohemian Gypsea in Tarpon Springs, Florida—a garden center and gift shop that allowed me to combine my love of plants, unique finds, and creative displays. After the hurricanes, I made the difficult decision to close Bohemian Gypsea and devote all of my energy to rebuilding and growing Summer House.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Summer House is more than a furniture and décor store. We offer an ever-changing collection of new and vintage furniture, lighting, home accessories, plants, garden décor, and distinctive pieces created by talented artisans. With a variety of vendors and styles represented throughout the store, every visit offers something new to discover.
What sets us apart is the experience. Summer House is not a typical retail showroom where everything looks the same. It is layered, creative, and full of unexpected treasures. Customers can wander from room to room, gather ideas, and find pieces that make their homes feel personal rather than mass-produced. We also believe that friendly, attentive service is just as important as the merchandise we offer.
I am especially proud of the resilience behind the Summer House brand. We have rebuilt after tremendous loss while preserving the warmth, creativity, and sense of discovery that our customers love. I want readers to know that when they visit Summer House, they are supporting a local small business, a wonderful community of vendors, and a store filled with pieces chosen with genuine passion and care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summerhousetampafurniture.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/summerhousemarketplace7/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SummerHouseTampa/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@summer.house913
