Meet the team

Helen Ainson store in Darien

Following my time as the general manager of the store for the past 16 years, I have received the great honor of becoming the new owner of Helen Ainson.

After graduating college with a fashion merchandising degree, I began working in corporate retail for many years until I found my place at Helen Ainson. It was here that I was given the opportunity to be close to my family, raise my two sons and discover all that Darien has to offer. Since then, it feels as though I have not worked a single day. Making our clients feel and look as beautiful as they are has been an honor. When filling the store with our beautiful merchandise, I enjoy sharing my love of fashion with our clients. Seeing them as excited as I am about the clothing is a rewarding feeling.

The community here at Helen Ainson is unlike any I have ever seen. Throughout the years I have made so many incredible friends, as well as a network of fabulous clients, manufacturers and employees. I am extremely grateful for all who make Helen Ainson the wonderful place that it is and with my amazing team, I never have to doubt that the reputation of our store always exceeds expectations.

There is a misconception that Helen Ainson only sells mother of the bride gowns and cocktail dresses but we are so much more than that! When people walk in the door looking to find the perfect dress, they often leave with the discovery of their new favorite place. Whether you are looking to revamp your spring or fall casual wardrobe, or need all of your bases covered for your special event, there is only one place you need to look! We offer a one-stop-shopping experience for any of your special occasions or every-day needs. Our team has an extensive knowledge of evening-wear, gowns and cocktail dresses, casual wear, lingerie and accessories. In addition to our brick and mortar store, we reach clients all over the country through our website, Helenainson.com.

It would not be possible for me to celebrate this accomplishment without mentioning the support I have received from my husband of over 27 years, Barry, my two sons, and my cherished friends and family. I am honored to continue the legacy of Erica Jensen and her mother, Helen Ainson who founded the company in 1948. Helen Ainson has been a beloved East coast staple for the past 45 years and I am excited to see where the future takes us!

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Sales Manager, Suzanne Griffin, has met many great designers and has traveled to New York City on buying trips for years. She has had an amazing journey. Suzanne has many years of training and experience behind her. This has given her great insight and understanding of how to dress clients to look fabulous no matter what the occasion.

As Sales Manager, Suzanne has taken it upon herself to always remind the consultants that the sale is not what’s important. What’s important is that all of our clients not only love their outfit but feel great wearing it. “If we can do that, then I have done my job!”

Donna has worked in the wholesale apparel industry dealing with better specialty stores for over 30 years.  Understanding the needs of these stores provides her with the insight of what the customers are looking for.

She merchandised the collections she worked for and now merchandises the store which is one of her many passions. Another is to help women dress and feel fabulous about themselves.

Holly’s ultimate goal is to continue expanding Helen Ainson’s outreach, including all elements of the store operations, client experience, and marketing strategies.

The biggest achievement in her professional roles has been the transition from Retail Management to Director/ General Manager of Spas and Health Clubs to managing multiple departments in hospitality in a hotel.

Holly is a proud Mom of two daughters and three amazing grandchildren, and her fiancé completes her life. She is happy to be a part of one of the most dynamic teams she has ever experienced working here at Helen Ainson.

Jess has enjoyed being a part of the Helen Ainson team for over a year and counting. She is always happy to be surrounded by the amazing team of women and is determined to make clients feel welcomed and appreciated. In her free time, Jess enjoys animals, baking and being her own stylists. 

As the stockroom manager, Jess is responsible for receiving shipments from manufacturers, answering the phones, and client outreach. Jess is passionate about creating a wonderful experience for Helen Ainson’s clients, as well as helping women love what they wear and feel as amazing as they look!

Sophia Lindsay, Stockroom Manager, has been working at Helen Ainson for six years. She started back when she was sixteen and since then has graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences.

She is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Southern Connecticut State University while working part-time at Helen Ainson.