Fox's is Thankful For: Mariko Winters
If you've shopped at Fox's anytime over the last 27 years, then you've no doubt met or had the pleasure of working with our beloved Mariko Winters. Her smiling face and calm disposition have been a constant at Fox's since 1989. Mariko is planning to retire on her birthday next August, which will make this Mariko's last holiday season with us. We asked Mariko a few questions that we thought you'd enjoy about her time here - let's take a little trip down memory lane!
When did you start working here and why jewelry?- May 1st 1989. My friend at church was Zach Mann’s kindergarten teacher and knew that Chai was looking for someone who spoke Japanese.
What do you remember about your interview?- Chai asked if I could write really small. Because back then we hand wrote all the tags for each piece of jewelry.
What was the first piece you ever sold?- A Tiffany & Co. Pin for $3,000.00
What is one thing you loved about that time?- I loved selling Tiffany silver. Buses of tourist would come in and we would line up all the receipts on the case and go down the line.
What is your favorite thing about your career?- Custom. I love building a piece from scratch. One of my favorite pieces I ever made for a client was a jade men’s ring with the most beautiful piece of orange jade.
What is one of the craziest things that happened at work?- The earthquake in 2001. I was on the phone with a client and all of a sudden the huge Chihuly sculpture we had hanging from the ceiling started to sway and I said “I have to go I think we are having an earthquake”.
What is the strangest request you ever received?- Diamonds set into someone’s teeth!
Who is the most famous person you ever helped?- Michael Douglas and Grand Master Flash.
What is one of your favorite memories?- Going to Japan with Chai and Joy to meet a client. After that I took them on a tour of my hometown Nagoya. It was amazing!
What will you miss most about Fox’s?- My colleagues and Sushi Day!!
What will you do in your retirement?- I am going to see the total eclipse in August in Wyoming. I will travel the country with my husband Dan and our doggies in our RV. My favorite places are the Mayan Ruins and Utah I plan to go back. We love to mushroom hunt and dig for razor clams. And spend time with my grandchildren.
