Gerry Puhara
Owner

Gerry founded Tender Treasures in 1982 when her daughter Claire was born in order to create a career compatible with family life. Previous to owning Tender Treasures, Gerry worked for many years as a motion picture costumer and wardrobe stylist on numerous films, tv commercials and television shows. In 1991, Gerry became interested in the early workings of the internet, and soon after put up the first Tender Treasures website. In 2006, Tender Treasures opened another location solely dedicated to the fulfillment of internet orders.

In addition to Tender Treasures, Gerry also operates another website for her husband's band, Yellowjackets. She also volunteers her time to support many non profit agencies.

Karen Avis-strachan
Sales Associate

Karen is our newest staff member, working full time at the Montrose Store. Prior to working for Tender Treasures, Karen worked for 17 years at a store in Larchmont Village, California where she "did it all." She's proving to be a valuable addition to our family, working tirelessly to serve the customers and keep the store looking great. Karen's hobbies include gardening, decorating, and wreath-making. Karen believes "strongly in giving great customer service so that each customer walks away with a pleasant shopping experience."

Mayra Ramos
Internet Service Associate

Mayra will be filling your internet orders as well as answering your phone calls. Mayra is a recent graduate of the Fashoin Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles where she received a degree in Graphic Design. She uses her skills to produce our catalog of new styles that is included in your package when you order online. Mayra is also studying interior design now at Glendale College.

Joan Gossett
Sales Associate Emeritus

Joan worked for Tender Treasures for 16 years, and was a well known face around the store. She retired in order to move to Yucaipa and set up house in her new retirement community on January 6, 2007. Lots of customers and people who loved Joan came to wish her farewell, and participate in the festivities of the day. We're going to miss her, and she will always be a symbol of one spunky woman who makes a difference. She was beloved by the teenagers, as well as her contemporaries. Joan lives with a multitude of cats, most of whom were rescued by Joan. She has been known to rollerblade with her grandchildren on the weekends, so we hope she will have more time for these leisure activities in her new house. She's a wild woman, and proud of the fact that she finished the Los Angeles Marathon (in the rain) a few years back. We miss you already Joan!

Marianne Williams
Office Manager And Bookkeeping

Marianne is back! Marianne was our bookkeeper/office manager for five years before leaving a couple of years ago to pursue new opportunities. Lucky for us, she is back at Tender Treasures! Marianne is a graduate of the University of Arizona, the mother of two children Katie and Brian, and one of Gerry's most favorite people. Marianne is back keeping us all straight and organized, making sure the bills are paid on time, and that the lightbulbs are lighting up and the printers are printing. She's invaluable to us!