If you live in Cold Spring Harbor, you know the beautiful Jane Zuckerberg at Say la Vie on Main Street. Her distinctive boutique is at once bohemian and timeless, blending ready-to-wear with special pieces to be treasured, gifts, and of course, her unmistakable, must-have bracelets. 

So many of us know her and her magnetic charm, but it is her story and how she landed in the Harbor that has yet to be told. It all started, as most great innovations do, by accident and a chance connection. That someone, STROLL Sponsor, Ellen Nalaboff of Rock Pilates, has no idea how she changed Jane’s life. 

Let’s rewind 25 years ago. Jane was a young mother to three babies. She was in the process of completing her master's in teaching. She was in the kitchen, and she got baby food on a new white t-shirt.  “C’est la vie!” she exclaimed instead of using more colorful language, and, in chorus, they responded “lovey!” Jane giggled at what was lost in translation and got to work on the stain. It wouldn’t come out, so in desperation, she tie-dyed it. Mom friends at nursery school loved it, and then a week later Jane wore it to spin class, where Ellen was teaching. Taken with how cool Jane’s shirt was, Ellen asked for one of her own.  While out shopping in Woodbury, a shopkeeper was so impressed with Ellen’s t-shirt that she asked how she could get one too. Ellen passed on Jane’s information, and overnight, Jane had orders for shops in the area, and Say la Vie was born.

Jane industriously grew the business and then, in December 2010, decided to branch out.  Soon, a “Say La Vie” sign graced Main Street, and Jane was open for business.

”Say la Vie is such a blessing, it fills my heart every day.  I have real friendships with all my clients.  I have watched the village come to life in the most extraordinary way. This place, all the women-owned businesses, the community, it’s just amazing,” Jane says. 

“But most amazing,” Jane continues, “is that the woman who inspired me has no idea about the influence she has had on my life. It is because of her, the fact that she liked my t-shirt and believed in me, recommended me to someone else, that I have enjoyed so many immeasurable blessings here in Cold Spring Harbor.”

Jane tells her story not only to inspire young female entrepreneurs in our community, but also as a prelude to a long-overdue rekindling of a friendship with Ellen. “I don’t think she has any idea about who I am. I bet she doesn’t even remember me.”  Who could ever possibly forget charismatic Jane? We are looking forward to the reunion and seeing the next chapter right here on Main Street in our bucolic village!