Letter of Reference for Alisanne Frew
It gives me great pleasure to present this letter of recommendation on behalf of Alisanne Frew.
Alisanne arrived in Las Vegas in 2000 from France, knowing no one in town. I first met her in an elevator. Her broad smile and elegant manner impressed me immediately. By the time we reached the first floor from the seventeenth, it was very obvious she knew her business, so I immediately invited her to a meeting I was having about a major real estate development, with my builder, interior designer, architect, and wife.
Because Las Vegas is a close-knit town and not open to outsiders, it didn’t surprise me when my designer questioned me by asking “What are you doing? Everything is specified.” I told Alisanne not to listen to my designer’s objection but to continue with her presentation. When it was over and Alisanne left, it was clear that we were going to use her product. Why? Because I only wanted the best; however, I didn’t realize what the best was until she made her proposal. Her extensive knowledge of limestone and reclaimed flooring products from France was new to all of us. Alisanne opened a new world to us.
Alisanne’s first order from us was for US$100K. We were so pleased with the way she managed the order—from physically going to the quarry and identifying the stone to be cut, color-matching the samples for our project and containerizing it, to handling all the shipping, customs, duties, freights and insurance—that we didn’t have to worry about any part of the process. When it arrived, she simply called to say, “I’m here with the container.” Not only did she bring it in before schedule, she also gave us extremely competitive pricing.
From that first order, we contracted an additional US$2 million in sales from her, including two full-scale shopping trips to Paris for this $100 million real estate project. Alisanne redesigned and reworked the entire entrance to the building. She brought in Old World iron workers from France to hand forge and guild the entry gates. This included duplicating the famous lanterns from the Plaza Athénée Hotel in Paris for the building façade. Alisanne also arranged the installation of all the period fountains, arranged for an artist from Russia to do a tremendous faux painting in the lobby that has a 30 foot dome span, and found a 17th century tapestry for the residents’ wine cellar.
This project was so successful that I contracted her to work on my private residence. Not only did she commission the ironwork and flooring, which is her specialty, but she also got us Aubusson rugs, 18th century gates, dried rose petal arrangements, original oil paintings, and even had Jackie Onassis’ personal designer in Paris create all handmade custom linens and bath accessories. My wife fell in love with Limoges Bernardaud dishes (service for 28) and was terribly disappointed to discover they were out of production for over 150 years, but Alisanne got them made!
I have been in business for more than 60 years and never has a vendor gone to such lengths to earn my business or respect. I put my complete trust in her taste, connections, and professionalism and in her ability to work closely with us to always exceed our expectations.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of introducing my friends and business associates to Alisanne. They too were impressed by her knowledge of history, antiquities and architectural influences of the times, her breadth and depth of international vendors, and her enduring, classic taste. I believe that Alisanne influenced several design elements at their world-class resorts.
I assure you, you will not be disappointed in Alisanne.
Sincerely,
Chairman
Major Corporate Enterprise
Las Vegas, Nevada
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May 2017
What treasures I found when I went to the Parisian flea market with Alisanne! Knowing that I was there with Alisanne, a second, more-educated pair of eyes, made me a more relaxed shopper. She was never intrusive but always helpful with excellent counsel and a willingness to bargain on my behalf. I came away with unique finds that I never would have spotted if on my own: antique pill boxes, a blown-glass pedestal, sterling silver servers, and a charming Chanel necklace of fresh water pearls. I can’t wait for another trip to Paris, and another flea market excursion with Alisanne. – Beth Gibson Sawi
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September 2016
Dear Alisanne….
Having just returned from my buying trip I feel compelled to share my thoughts with you. What an adventure it was! My travels were effortless thanks to your planning and guidance. My accommodations were extremely comfortable and I felt at ease, at home and very well cared for.
Our shopping days could not have been more productive. The sequence of fourteen-hour days speaks well of your work ethic and professionalism. Navigating through the markets at Avignon, Montpelier, L’Isle sur la Sorgue and Paris would have been daunting without you. The process of purchasing through Transport Mari provided real peace of mind. It has proved to be a seamless system for transferring funds, purchasing, relocating, warehousing and shipping.
What impressed me the most throughout the time we spent together was the level of care and attention you afforded me. We worked extremely long days and I maintained your undivided attention. This trip reflected a major investment on my part and I believe you shared in the commitment to make the best use of my time and resources. You have worked an impressive number of hours and you are continuing to do so as you manage the restoration and final shipment of my purchases. I was also impressed with the relationships you’ve built in your professional world. It seemed to me that you were well respected, from the many dealers, the transport company, the people in your village to your most amazing taxi driver, John Philippe. I believe that respect was earned in the professional way you conduct yourself and the kindness you display while doing so.
Again, it was quite an adventure and you were a most amazing companion. You were not just my advocate, but a guide, a mentor and a friend….one I hope to have for a very long time!
Merci beaucoup Alisanne!
With much love and respect…..