From shopping to shipping, concierge service eases life for clients

Venus Valet & Concierge wants to be your best friend. And who wouldn't want a friend like this -- its associates can do your grocery shopping, take you to and from the hair stylist and mail packages at the post office.

One of Venus Valet's associates even organized a woman's tax papers.

"You can't get that anywhere," said Nita Stern, owner/operator. "All the people who work for us are vetted ... you go to Craigslist , and you don't know who these people are, don't know who you're letting into your home."

Venus Valet and Concierge has been in operation for about a year and is based in Summerlin. Many of its clients are retirees who just need someone to run errands such as picking up a prescription or driving them to the doctor's office.

Dolores Salazar used the service after surgery in September left her unable to drive for about a month. Salazar said besides Venus Valet being trustworthy and prompt, the car had the air conditioning running when she was picked up.

"Which was great," she said. "I don't know about you, but when I get in my car ... and I have to go three miles, by the time I'm there, then it's cooled off. So, it was a real plus."

Salazar had Venus Valet pick up her medications from the pharmacy and retrieve her granddaughter, Leyala, 11, from school a few times.

Venus Valet's business model believes in multi-tasking, which keeps costs low, with rates starting at $20. While one client is waiting for the doctor to see them, for example, the service is picking up another 's dry cleaning. A client can split the cost with a friend, as long as the destination and times are the same.

Kirby St. Romain, a comedian, uses the services for his 90-year-old mother. He is gone for as long as 14 days when working the cruise ship circuit.

"I've known Nita for six years and feel very comfortable having her take care of my mom," he said.

Stern recalled an unusual request. A young woman flew to Las Vegas to get married and had Venus Valet go shopping with her at Victoria's Secret.

She wanted "to pick out her 'trousseau,' so to speak," Stern said. "I dropped her fiancé at a sports book. I enjoyed going through the modeling and selection process with her while it was fun, it was a bit awkward."

In a bid to be all things to all people, Venus Valet also has business ties that can tap into a plethora of services from housekeeping to baby-sitting. Business services such as professional valet parking for events also are available.

For more information about Venus Valet & Concierge, visit venusvalet.com.

Contact Summerlin and Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 387-2949.