Karen Abell

Owner + Curator

“Collect what you love.”

Karen Abell, owner of and curator for Patina Collection, utilized this philosophy in her creation of Patina Collection. She inherited a reverent appreciation for all things with a certain “je ne sais quoi” from her great-grandfather, a custom glassblower from Alsace. Her vision for Patina Collection ensued after countless trips to Europe, visiting the grand flea markets in Paris, the weekend markets in France and falling in love with the architecture and design from Italy.

Education through travel and school led Karen to a deep appreciation for architectural design, which she pursued through real estate sales. That career, however, was just the beginning. Because of the strong and personal relationships fostered between Karen and her clients, she was often asked to furnish the homes she sold them; thus a new venture was born creating beautiful lifestyles. Coupled with her lifelong appreciation for history and art, her raison d’etre became crystal clear.

Naples Team

  • Hannah Wolk

    Retail Manager

    Hannah, originally from upstate New York, discovered her love of the coast of Florida while visiting the family's residence in Naples. During her leisure time, you'll often find Hannah at the beach, out on a boat, or enjoying moments with her dog, Marlin.

    Hannah's passion for adventure and exploration began at a young age, as she traveled to various destinations with her family, immersing herself in diverse cultures and experiences. These global journeys along with years of management instilled in her a deep appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship, which now shines through in her work at Patina Collection.

  • Emily Hancock

    Brand Manager

    Emily, a Naples, Florida native, is enamored with the coastal charm of her hometown. Despite a successful volleyball career, earning three All-American Honors in college, she decided to explore her interests beyond sports in Naples. With a major in Public Relations, she now serves as a Brand Manager at Patina Collection. Emily's role as a Brand Manager at Patina Collection allows her to showcase her expertise in Public Relations. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity, she proudly manages Patina’s online presence. In 2017, she ventured to Italy with Karen and Haley to delve into the origins of what is now known as Patina Collection. From savoring an Apérol Spritz to strolling the cobblestone paths of Ravello, Emily proudly embodies the spirit of a Patina employee.

  • Jay Fisher

    Creative Director

    Jay's creative journey has been a colorful tapestry woven with threads of passion and curiosity. From the intricate world of fashion to the harmonious balance of interior design, Jay has fearlessly ventured into different realms, each offering its unique allure. His keen eye for aesthetics and knack for pairing the unexpected has elevated him to the role of a creative stylist, where his artistic expression knows no bounds.

    With an unwavering spirit of curiosity and a thirst for new challenges, Jay continues to evolve and grow, embracing each opportunity as a chance to expand his creative horizons. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion

  • Andrea Tormey

    Sales Specialist

    “La vita è buona”

    Life is good when you find that perfect something for yourself, a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger. This has been Andrea’s mantra throughout her over 20 year career in customer service. Shortly after graduating college, Andrea joined an advertising agency in New York City working her way up to a Producer of television commercials for big companies such as AT&T and Nabisco before moving to Naples in 2000 with her family.  Since then she has continued in her customer service journey working with a realtor and a prominent high-end jewelry store. When asked what is her favorite part of working at Patina, Andrea quickly said "There is no greater joy then helping a customer find that perfect something that brings them joy and a big smile!”

  • Nikki Downie

    Sales Specialist

    Nikki's expertise in organization and styling shines in all her work at Patina, skillfully combining her talents to craft beautiful vignettes. Her passion for travel goes beyond a pastime, shared with her partner Daniel and daughter Izzy, as they explore new destinations and create lasting memories together. One of Nikki's most cherished moments was when she adopted her daughter Izzy, adding a special warmth to her role as a mother. This nurturing spirit is reflected in the welcoming atmosphere of Patina, where customers get to interact firsthand with Nikki.

  • Jody Cutshaw-Robbins

    Sales Specialist

  • Brenda Prazares

    Sales Specialist

    Meet Brenda, a Naples native with roots tracing back to Brazil. Born in Brazil but raised in Naples, Florida from just 9 months old, Brenda's heart belongs to both worlds. When she's not busy at Patina Collection, this organizing maestro can often be found basking at the beach, spending quality time with her family, or her beloved dogs.

    Brenda's knack for meticulous inventory management and unparalleled organization skills make her an indispensable member of the Patina Collection team. Despite her young age, her impressive achievements speak volumes - having risen to the role of assistant manager at only 17 in her previous jobs. While she thrives in her professional role, her passion for exploring her Brazilian heritage remains close to her heart, always eager to connect with her roots. This deep connection to her heritage serves her well on a daily basis at Patina Collection, where antique pieces with rich histories and character find a new home.

  • Maud Hammarskjold

    Sales Specialist

Chicago Team

  • Megan Katen

    Retail Manager

    Megan's dedication to beauty and exceptional customer service is evident in all her endeavors. With over three decades of industry experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as Retail Manager at our Chicago store. Raised on the North Shore of Chicago, her fondness for antiques and attention to detail have influenced her distinctive style. Whether she's working on styling or helping customers find the perfect table setting, Megan's commitment to delivering top-notch service remains consistent.

    Beyond her professional life, Megan's profound affection for Naples and Chicago inspires her. Drawing from these vibrant cities, she has become a reliable guide for our customers, understanding their diverse preferences. Megan epitomizes style, sophistication, and outstanding service in every way.

  • Carlos Mendoza

    Merchandising Specialist

    Carlos is drawn to Patina Collection by his passion for all things beautiful. With a solid creative background in visual merchandising, customer service, and hospitality, he aims to assist individuals in crafting dream spaces that exude warmth and joy.

    Carlos has a fondness for integrating greens and florals into daily life, appreciating timeless style and craftsmanship. He eagerly anticipates the creative process, starting from an idea or emotion and embracing the journey with its delightful surprises along the way.

  • Therese Dempsey

    Part-Time Merchandising Specialist

    Therese had a fulfilling career as a Special Events Manager and Public Relations Director at Bloomingdale’s, overseeing the launches of their Michigan Avenue and Mall of America stores. She cherished the vibrancy these stores brought to their communities. Equally, she found joy in raising four children with her husband of 30 years at home for 28 years.

    One day, she stumbled upon Patina Collection in Naples, and her heart raced with excitement. It was an instant connection. When the Chicago branch was set to open, she knew she wanted to be part of this new venture. Her knack for helping friends and family redecorate their spaces sparked her interest in merchandising for Patina Collection in Chicago. She is thrilled for this new journey filled with creativity and excitement.

  • Jordan Owens

    Sales Specialist

    Jordan, originally from Wentzville, Missouri later relocated to Chicago in 2022. Her passion for vintage items blossomed when she was just six years old. Together with her mom, Jordan enjoyed exploring vintage shops, flea markets, and thrift stores on weekends in search of special treasures. Following her graduation from Mizzou, Jordan has dedicated the past three years to a career in sales. She feels incredibly thankful for the chance to absorb knowledge from the entire team at Patina Collection and connect through their mutual adoration for all things Patina. Here's to new beginnings!

  • Caroline Rueve

    Sales Specialist

    Caroline found her creative outlet at Patina Collection, driven by her passion for beautiful home decor and a desire to express her creativity beyond her 9-5 role in Tech Public Relations.

    With her sharp eye for detail and love for beautiful things, Caroline can be found at Patina City on weekends.

    Off the clock, she loves needlepointing, cooking, leisurely walks with her beloved dog, Brooks—and of course, a bit of shopping, which conveniently extends into her time at Patina!

  • Stephanie Farruggia

    Sales Specialist

    Stephanie dedicated a significant part of her life to the field of education, assisting students facing learning challenges. Upon retirement, she seized the delightful chance to venture into the retail world, where she could express her passion for fashion and exquisite items. Assisting customers in feeling good about themselves and discovering cherished treasures brings her immense joy.

  • Ali Mitchell

    Sales Specialist

    A Cleveland, Ohio native, Ali spent two years post-college on the East Coast before returning to her Midwest roots. Her career has spanned public accounting, financial services, real estate investment and, currently, software sales. Customer relationships have been a priority for Ali throughout her career and remain her favorite part of the job!

    After discovering Patina Collection in Naples while on vacation four years ago, Ali was thrilled to find out a second location would be opening in Chicago. She is excited to be part of the PC team and cannot wait to welcome everyone into the new store - it's fabulous!

  • Alexa Bennett

    Sales Specialist

    Alexa, a sales specialist at Patina City, demonstrates her creativity most effectively when supporting friends, family, and clients in their design endeavors. With a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa and formal interior design training from the Art Institute, Alexa's passion for design is enriched by this unique combination of skills.

    Her knowledge has been enriched by her studies in Florence, Italy during university and the exposure to numerous exquisite homes while holding a real estate license. These encounters have fueled her enthusiasm for crafting spaces that tell a unique tale while leading clients through the design journey. In assisting clients with design, Alexa's expertise, creativity, and commitment ensure a personalized and unforgettable experience for all involved.