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PrintUp Close and Personal - Cristina Woods and Kitina Bartovick
The mother-daughter owners of The Dolphin Fine Linens in Utica Square share why they choose to keep their business in the family.
Woods' age: 56
Bartovick's age: 35
Why did you start your business?
Cristina Woods: I needed to be away from my children and the Cuban mafia wasn’t hiring.
Kitina Bartovick: It was inherited.
What’s the best part about owning and operating a family business?
CW: Still telling your kids what to do and nagging them the next minute.
KB: Knowing all your hard work is for your family and raising my children at the store.
Why participate in Care Card week?
CW: It helps children and families in our community.
KB: We love to give back.
What does your store bring to Tulsa?
CW: Parisian cachet.
KB: New York, Paris and London.
Do you hope to keep the business “in the family”?
CW: Yes. Preparing the first-grader now.
KB: Yes, however Alex just wants to be an X-Game professional in college and Maria wants to be a teaching doctor and work weekends at The Dolphin. Only time will tell.
Favorite thing about Tulsa:
CW: Community.
KB: The generosity and kindness of the people.
Most dog-eared book:
CW: My Bible.
KB: The Bible and a cookbook that one day I will actually cook from.
What’s in your CD player?
CW: Dance mix.
KB: Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Chicago, James Taylor.
What magazines are on your coffee table?
CW: TulsaPeople, of course.
KB: TulsaPeople, Elle Décor and Town & Country.
Describe your clothing style in three words.
CW: Black and white.
KB: Classic, crisp, comfortable.
Describe your home style in three words.
CW: Traditional, clean, comfortable.
KB: Classic, inviting, sunny.
Favorite trend:
CW: Classics repeat.
KB: Scarves, ballet flats and belts.
Biggest pet peeve:
CW: When people gossip to elevate themselves.
KB: Rudeness.
Who would play you in a movie?
CW: Roselyn Sanchez.
KB: Kelly Ripa.
Style advice for readers:
CW: Whatever makes you happy.
KB: Keep it simple and timeless.
Biggest fashion blunder:
CW: My blue rain boots.
KB: Wearing boxer shorts as shorts with oversized T-shirts in the eighth grade.
Guilty pleasure:
CW: Eating in bed.
KB: My gay boyfriend.
Something people don’t know about you:
CW: I used to be part of the elephant show at the Tulsa Zoo.
KB: It’s a secret …
If you could do something else, what would it be?
CW: I’d be a famous dancer.
KB: Design shoes and jewelry.
Most overused phrase:
CW: Oh, my gosh!
KB: You have five minutes … Get dressed; let’s go!
Last thing you do before bed:
CW: Brush my teeth.
KB: Kiss my children goodnight and whisper sweet things to them as they fall asleep.
Greatest professional accomplishment:
CW: Financial independence.
KB: Where we are today at The Dolphin.
