Destrehan gift, wine store ‘lets the good times roll’

Sandra Kinler, the owner of Bon Ton Roula, stands behind a collection of merchandise that she sells at her Destrehan gift and wine store. Kinler says that her love of people is what motivated her to open up the shop.

Sandra Kinler first opened her gift and wine boutique, Bon Ton Roula, in Destrehan nearly a year ago and credits her love of people for keeping her doors open day after day.

“I’ve always been a giver, and it truly is my love for people that motivated me to open the shop,” said Kinler. “I wanted to create a business that people would enjoy without being harassed to buy something or break their budget.”

Bon Ton Roula specializes in a wide selection of handmade jewelry, home decor,  initial outdoor flags and doormats, totes and handbags, wines and wine accessories, balloon bouquets, corporate gifts, baskets, LSU and New Orleans Saints accessories,  and everything fleur-de-lis. The store is also an authorized seller for Amy’s Country Candles.

Kinler, who opened the business with no previous retail experience, says that there are several features that make Bon Ton Roula unique.

“I order my wine inventory based on what customers are asking for,” she said. “I keep a clipboard where people can write down which wines they’d like to purchase and I order them.”

Kinler also hosts weekly wine tastings every Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. where patrons can sample up to five different wines.

“Our wine tastings are a great way for people who don’t know much about wine to sample the different types,” Kinler said. “And I personally select which wines will be featured at the tastings.”

Bon Ton Roula is also the only store of its kind on the east bank of the parish. And while a good amount of Kinler’s customer base commutes from LaPlace, she points out that it’s important for St. Charles Parish residents to shop local to keep the community thriving.

“We need to support our local businesses and keep the money coming into our parish,” she said. “And it’s the small businesses that can help make this parish grow and attract others to the area.”

Kinler points out that her inventory has grown tremendously since she first set up shop. So if it’s been a while since you’ve visited Bon Ton Roula, then it’s time to stop by again and see what’s in store.

“The variety of gifts and other items that I have in the store now wasn’t here when I first opened,” she said. “Bon Ton Roula is evolving into a shop that carries many different items that are priced affordably.”

Kinler says that she’s not a high-pressure sales person, but will gladly help her customers find the right gift, jokingly noting that she couldn’t sell a bottle of polish  to customers when she owned a Boutte nail salon.

“I was co-owner of Creative Nails in Boutte for 17 years,” said Kinler. “And I never sold one bottle of polish. I’m not here to pressure my customers. I’m here to offer them a welcoming and warm shopping experience.”

In an effort to support other locals, on display at Bon Ton Roula are prints, photographs and jewelry by area artists. There’s also a huge selection of Lampe Berger lamps and oils, with something to suit every taste and decor.

Bon Ton Roula, which is located at 121 Ormond Center Court, Ste. M, is open six days a week - Mondays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call the shop at 985-764-2039 or send an email to bontonroula@gmail.com.