LINDA LEG Designer, shop owner goes mobile ▲ Home is where the heart is, and no one knows that better than designer and real estate agent Linda Legg. Legg has always been the creative genius at mixing old and new and making any space look fabulous. The North Dakota native moved to Napa in 1982 and sold real estate. She retired in 1994 after a small stroke and moved to Wisconsin, but the Valley called her back in 1998 and she opened Consigning Women, which evolved into Definitely Different, a home interior shop. Life challenges happened a few years ago and she was forced to sell her home to pay bills. For the first time she didn’t own her own home. Rather than be defeated, Legg saw an opportunity to change the stigma of mobile home living. For the past few years, Legg has utilized her talent of turning small spaces into attractive, functional and inviting living environments. She has completely transformed four mobile homes into places anyone would want to show off, and has influenced five others in their renovation. “What I thought was the darkest part of my life, turned out to be a blessing,” said Legg. “I’m now giving people hope and courage and helping them create a lifestyle that makes them look at things differently.” Legg’s practical and frugal approach to design asks the question, “Are you in control or is your home a cash cow with wasted space?” Any space, she says, can bloom into a flower without breaking the bank. Al Jabarin is originally from Jordan, and many people don’t know he was a soap opera actor in his home country. It is probably why Al is so animated when he talks about his passion, wine. He came to the United States for school, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Theater, and a Master’s degree in Social Anthropology. An articulate man, Al has fascinating stories and interesting perspectives on world events. While vacationing in Napa Valley, like so many he fell in love with it and stayed. “Everyone I met was connected with food and wine, so I knew I needed to learn more,” he said. AL JABRIN Online wine expands to salon and more He is a talented, savvy businessman and sees opportunities ahead of their times. In 1994, he started Calwine.com, now one of the oldest dot com internet businesses in the United States that is still operating continuously under the same owner. A physical building/warehouse was erected in 2001 and he opened a retail shop in 2006. His business continued to grow while many other similar businesses failed. He credits keeping his price points low and becoming a responsible businessman in the community. In 2010, he opened a tasting salon, 1313 Main, and recently added Lulu’s Kitchen to the mix at the Main Street location. He believes in giving back, and, as an example, has helped raise over $20,000 for the Queen of the Valley Medical Center’s Breast Cancer Center for the past two years. CalWine’s retail shop moved recently to Clinton Street, just around the corner from 1313 Main. ▲ 22 www.nAPAVA L L E Y L I F E magaz ine. c o m photo by KARI RUEL
NVLife_Feb_2014
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