For the June episode of “It’s Your Business,” host/producer Rick Smith introduces viewers to four sets of Rhode Island siblings who combined their talents and ambitions to launch businesses on their own. The show airs Sunday, June 16 at 11 a.m. on NBC 10.
- Kirk’s Folly: Jenniefer Kirk, Helen Kirk, George Kirk, and Elizabeth Kirk Davignon won this jewelry/keepsake manufacturing business they established in 1979. Their collectible fairy figures and jewelry first gained national exposure when they were chosen to participate in the QVC Tour of America that featured Rhode Island products. Since that time, they have become regulars on QVC and have gained a significant national following.
- The Cruise Brothers: In 2002, the Cruise Brothers celebrate 30 years as a family business. Begun by brothers Steve and Russell Gelfuso in 1972, the company is now run by Steve and sister Paula Gelfuso-MacLellan. The company is known as a top-producing agency with all of the major cruise lines, winning sales awards every year from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America and Carnival Cruise Line.
- Curves for Women franchises: Between them, sisters Jeanette DeNuccio and Mary DeMeglio own six Rhode Island franchises of the women-only exercise studios called Curves for Women. After years of working for her sister, Mary branched out on her own and opened her first store at 53 Weybosset St. in downtown Providence on April 9, 2001.
- Tartufo Restaurant: Twenty-something sisters Charothy Hinchcliffe and Angela Clarke looked at their complementary talents and came up with a recipe for success: opening their own restaurant on the East Side of Providence. Angela, a pastry chef with a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University, had been a pastry chef at Pastiche on Federal Hill.
