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Downtown Divas, 1001 Park St., Five Points in Riverside

As a high-school teen, Stephanie Betts loved to shop at the original Downtown Divas in Melbourne, Florida with its trendy fashions and down-to-earth prices. Stephanie dreamed of running her own store as she honed her retail fashion skills at national retailers, Dillard’s and Pier 1 Imports. Although her love of animals initially led her to a full-time career as a surgical veterinary nurse, Stephanie’s dream of being her own boss persisted for over a decade. Yet she finally realized her goal, opening a Downtown Diva store two years ago in Riverside’s Five Points, along with her husband, Tim. Like many women today, she juggles several roles as wife, mother of a six-year old, surgical veterinary nurse and business owner.

With her big smile and bubbly energy, Stephanie chats animatedly about the fun of bringing in new clothes “selecting what you like” to share with her customers. The store stocks distinctive clothing and fashion accessories from both national brands and local designers, including Nicole Lee, ElegantLee (Pink) Underground, Samantha Meritt, AlaArt and Manisha Joshi, Sunisha Designs. Stephanie encourages her clientele to “take a little more of a risk with color” and add fun accents, like hats, to their wardrobes. But she adds that “the little black dress is always in style.” She adds that many shoppers are surprised at the reasonable prices on unique, metropolitan fashions at Downtown Divas. “We like to say that we offer “boutique brands without boutique prices.” 

The owners promote a “casual, laid back style” in their store where patrons can freely browse and try on diverse fashions and accessories without the hassles of aggressive sales staff. Despite the lagging economy, Stephanie exudes optimism and counsels patience to other new entrepreneurs growing young businesses.  She believes that you have to be happy in whatever you are doing to be successful and that it is better to go for it than be filled with “what if” regrets. 

The Betts regularly host various “Meet the Artist (or Designer)” events to highlight talented local fashion creators. The retail team also looks forward to their annual participation in events, such as the Riverside Wine Festival, Five Points Spring Fest and the Southern Women’s Show where friends and models walk the runaway in fashions from Downtown Divas.  The co-owners are also supporters of Breast Cancer Awareness and the Jacksonville Humane Society which pleases shop dogs, Crush and Minnie. 

For fashionistas looking to be noticed for their distinctive fashion sense, stop by Downtown Divas at 1001 Park Street, contact them at 904-683-0514, by e-mail at info@jaxdivas.com or friend them on Facebook. 

–BridgesDelPonte, www.bridgesdelponte.com

Tori Poor, Co-Owner,
That Poor Girl

Style is the buzzword at That Poor Girl. Co-owners Tori Poor and Linda Blake stock their cozy King Street store at Whiteway Corner with an eclectic blend of vintage clothing, fashion jewelry and unique accessories to complement your modern wardrobe. When we meet on Friday afternoon, Tori is dressed in a black baby doll peignoir set accented with a gold belt and snow leopard ballet shoes, adding her contemporary flair to this classic look. Her sense of style dispels the myth that vintage clothing means outdated fashions or is intended only to be worn as costumes. “You can put a vintage top with a modern skirt and put chunky heels on and you’ve got something walking down the runway,” the trendy stylist advises. “There are so many things you can do with vintage. It can be new.” 

 Having grown up with parents active in estate sales and antiques, Tori has long appreciated and collected diverse clothing and accessories from the past. Since her teenaged years, Tori shared fond memories of spending time searching for unique fashions and hearing stories about vintage clothing she bought at funky second-hand shops, like Time Warp, formerly in Riverside’s Five Points. When that shop closed, she began her own quest to keep vintage designs and their back stories alive for other young fashionistas. “It’s not just old clothes or thrift stores. Vintage clothing has a story behind it. If you pick out a dress, I probably know the story behind it,” said Tori. Originally, she sold pieces from her treasure trove at her parents’ store, including their current shop, A Champions Consignment, before branching off to her own store with her business partner. United by their shared sense of style, Tori credits Linda’s business sense and financial support with helping her to further channel her creative talents as they launched their enterprise. They learned about the availability of the intimate King Street space through Craig’s List and jumped at the chance to start their business small, growing it over time. Longer-term, they hope to expand their retailing efforts online through eBay for vintage clothing and Etsy for hand-crafted accessories. 

Currently, these two retailers are often busy styling photo shoots at Brasil + West Photography or providing unique fashions for budding Jacksonville photographers, filmmakers and models for “Test Shoot Tuesdays” at Bubble Wrap Studio. When the duo tends their shop, they favor a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy sharing stories behind each fashion item or accessory with their customers. They appreciate the diversity of the King Street scene, including a customer who seeks out fun accessories for his fashionable Jack Russell Terrier. “There are so many interesting people who walk by here. I love it,” adds Tori. The boutique also promotes local artists including original acrylic paintings by Sebastian “Troy” Pierre and hand-made jewelry, hair bows and rings by Shantel Niblock and Anthony Danes (both are on Facebook). For other young retailers, Tori notes that it is important “to stay motivated. You have to push yourself and stay focused. Stay open for as long as you can, be here as often as you can. And keep following your instincts. For me, if I see something that inspires me I am going to run with it. Don’t ignore inspiration.”

Oct. 13 – Upcoming Charity
Photoshoot Contest

These talented stylists are supporters of local charities, including Girls Rock Camp, which provides opportunities for young girls, ages 9 to 16, to participate in workshops on music, creativity, songwriting, peer collaboration, and confidence-building. They are also looking forward to styling contestants in a 1960s/1970s-themed Charity Photoshoot Contest, organized and hosted by model Sarah Ann Smith, Manikin Model and Talent Agency, on October 13. Local photographers, Brasil + West Photography and Daryna Barykina will be taking photos of up-and-coming professional and amateur models with the winners helping to direct proceeds to local charities along with being awarded fun prizes.

If you are looking to make that one-of-a-kind fashion statement, to enhance your daily wardrobe or to receive professional styling for a special event or creative portfolio, make an appointment with the gifted team at That Poor Girl. Call them at 904-525-0490, stop by 1504 King Street at Whiteway Corner, or friend them on Facebook.

 –Bridges DelPonte - www.bridgesdelponte.com

The angelic face that guards the doorway to Jane Doe is only the first clue that you’ve stumbled across a little slice of retail heaven.

Inside, the boutique’s soft lighting and carefully curated fashion palette create a serene, welcoming environment that echoes the calm, warm nature of its service-minded owner, AnnMarie Luque.  When she opened the Five Points store in June 2011, Ms. Luque wanted her boutique to be “a peaceful, relaxing sanctuary” with “a different type of energy that allows for creativity and a certain level of comfort for our customers….I think you have to get to know people to help them buy clothes and that environment needs to be like a cocoon.”  At Jane Doe, Ms. Luque feels privileged to be able to serve and to work as a “retail matchmaker” offering her customers “wearable solutions” that fuse their personal style with the demands of their daily life at a moderate, reasonable price. 

Although new to Jacksonville, Ms. Luque ran a successful boutique in the heart of St. Augustine for several years before outgrowing that location.  Her Jacksonville retail haven more than doubled her floor space and allowed her to operate her business in a friendly, close-knit community of independent merchants.  This boutique owner believes in the importance and power of building a sense of community by patronizing your neighborhood businesses as proposed in the 3/50 Project, a national version of our local GOLo campaign.  With her accent on service and community, Ms. Luque has already become actively involved in local and national charities, regularly donating new clothing to the local Salvation Army, offering supplies and books to area school groups and supporting the Lottie Moon Offering, which aids missionaries serving others internationally.

Jane Doe owner, AnnMarie Luque

A former jewelry designer, she often personally works with U.S. clothing designers to create patterns that blend together a mix of classic cuts and styling with a contemporary artistic twist.  “Jackie O. meets Andy Warhol,” she quips.  These unique fashions are typically limited to six copies of a particular design.  Ms. Luque also enjoys finding clothing and other goods that you do not see in the malls or catalogs and prefers to avoid fads while helping customers “to feel new about themselves.”  She would love to see some of the styles of the 1940s make a comeback, including beautiful leg wear and hosiery.  Whenever possible, she also tries to buy clothing, jewelry, scents, candles and home fashions made in the United States to help the domestic economy thrive.

Mud Pie Fashion at Jane Doe

Though less than a year old, Jane Doe customers clearly agree with the store’s brand of quality products and personal service, voting the store as the Best New Boutique of 2012 in Jacksonville Magazine.  The humble owner only found out about the honor when fellow merchants and customers began to congratulate her on the award.  She suggests that new entrepreneurs wanting to be successful  should “learn by doing,” working their way up through their chosen field and always remembering the reasons why you chose to serve in that field.

So take a break from your frenetic schedule and stop by Jane Doe at 1027 Park Street, Tues.-Sat., 10:00 to 5:00/6:00, call them at 904-356-0027 or friend Jane Doe on Facebook to learn more about their special retail events and plans for their upcoming first anniversary.

–Bridges DelPonte, http://www.bridgesdelponte.com

The Clothing Warehouse has been in operation for nearly 5 years in Five Points. But for new owner, Jeannie Jones, buying the vintage clothing store started a new life chapter back in February 2011. After nearly 30 years in the insurance industry, Ms. Jones said that she was ready for “a new adventure” and “to explore other opportunities” and wanted to build on her prior business, retail and bookkeeping experience.  She liked the idea of a boutique clothing shop with the added twist of being a business with “a green approach” that focuses on recycling fashion rather than throwing out clothing and accessories. Different fashion designs continue to cycle through the decades, with some customers trying to capture a retro look while others try to be fashion forward, tweaking an old school design with a contemporary flair.

Owner Jeannie Jones, with an array of cool sunglasses

Like any new business owner, she made some immediate changes to the store, such as increasing the shop hours, freshening up clothing presentations, creating special sales and highlighting hot fashion items in weekly window displays. She noted that “we have gotten a lot of compliments on our store windows,”  including from local merchants. A broader array of new stock was added such as fun sunglasses, fashion wigs and costume jewelry. Ms. Jones is even toying with the idea of changing the shop’s name once her license on its existing franchise name expires in February 2012, so watch her Facebook page for updates. Kyla, the store’s resident pampered West Highland Terrier, is sure to have a say in any final name change in this pet-friendly store.

This busy entrepreneur and her staff are “in” to vintage wear and enjoy helping customers have a “fun, enjoyable experience” while looking for that perfect outfit to suit their personal style or upcoming social gathering. One of the main challenges has been finding what she needed for her eclectic customer base. “It takes a little while to get a feel for what people want,” said Ms. Jones. “Our clientele is really a mixture.” About half of her customers are local young people looking for vintage fashion while the other half are those seeking out specific period clothing for a special event. Ms. Jones also notes that her shop’s fashions are very popular with those involved in vintage weddings seeking 1940s wraps or 1950s pill box hats, or parties set in a certain period, like 1970s/80s disco dresses. From time to time, even members of local theater troupes will check out her inventory.

The proud owner advises that her store is not a consignment shop as nearly all stock is purchased from trusted vendors. On a rare occasion, she’ll check out estate sales if the fashion items are in demand. Some clothing “may absolutely be gorgeous, breathtaking,” but she won’t buy it if that style is not currently surging in the fickle fashion world. One hot trend is for bell bottoms–”and I was part of the bell-bottom generation,” she confides, “I’ve had multiple requests for them. They are hard to come by.” Another major fad is girl’s cowboy boots with short shorts and short pencil skirts, which are flying off the shelves.

A member of the Five Points Merchants Association, she was drawn to this area’s “small community feel,” reminiscent of the close-knit beach neighborhood where she lives. Her shop regularly participates in First Fridays in Five Points where local stores stay open late and greet customers with live music, refreshments and special sales on this pedestrian-friendly street. She especially enjoyed a previous month’s chocolate theme with chocolate wine and chocolate-covered strawberries and her store offered free 1940s fashion and make-up makeovers for customers. The store will have extended holiday hours: Mon. –Thurs.-10:00-6:00, Fri.-10:30-7:30, Sun.- 12:00-5:00 in December. Check Facebook for holiday sales and other updates or stop by the shop at 1010 Park Street, 904-356-5003, to step back to the future.

–Bridges DelPonte, http://www.bridgesdelponte.com

Known for its eclectic flair, Five Points is a perfect spot for Subculture, a retail store filled with creative accessories for you and your home. Fashionista Carlisle Dickey, with her close-cropped blond hair and beaded black corset top, personifies Subculture’s sense of individual flair. When I enter, she is helping two young women pouring over some trendy corset tops in this hip store. Industrial steel and black duct work ceilings mixed with antique chandeliers and couches, ornate mirrors and pink-striped floors and walls hint at Subculture’s diverse and unique approach to style.

“We wanted to bring more liveliness to Five Points. And it’s very inviting and fun to be yourself here,” adds Carlisle. Distinctive fashion jewelry, cool sunglasses, feathery fascinator hats, glittery head bands and custom tutus and corsets line Subculture’s display racks and glass cases. Custom artwork dots its walls and hand-painted furniture is exhibited throughout this shop. “Subculture is the essence of Five Points,” says Carlisle’s brother-in-law Drake Price. “It has something for all ages and for all styles, from plain to sparkly.”

Subculture's hand-crafted Fascinator hats

Started in August 2010, this young business is a family project of the Dickeys and Prices, all Jacksonville natives. Carlisle’s dad, Tom, has been a life-long entrepreneur and wanted to instill strong business values in his daughters, Carlisle and Ashley. Ashley and her dad had a clear vision for their store and Carlisle and Ashley’s husband, Drake, were happy to help them achieve it. In a weak economy, this optimistic family decided to try their hands at a retail business and to forge their own futures. “It’s great to be in control of your own business. If you make mistakes, it’s on you. But you can be as successful as you want to take it,” states Drake.

The entire family helped to design the store and spent countless hours pulling up crumbling carpet, removing hundreds of nail hangers, sanding down its glue-stained floor, repainting its walls and floor and decorating it with vintage furnishings; only to have a last minute power outage delay their grand opening. But they quickly rebounded and truly enjoy working hard together as family to make their store a success. They also motivate each other to reach their highest potential. “Our family saying is follow through,” states Carlisle.

Subculture co-owners Drake Price and Carlisle Dickey

Family members contribute not only time and funding, but also their creative talents to the store’s offerings. Drake shows me beautiful hand-crafted fascinator hats that would sparkle at any special event while Carlisle gushes with pride about her mom’s wall paintings and one-of-a-kind tables to add panache to home decor. These owners also point out that they mash-up various jewelry pieces to create custom items for their customers. “We try to stay ahead and watch the fashion scene,” states Drake. Subculture also offers fun “After Hours” jewelry parties for birthdays, wedding showers or other special occasions where customers can share wine and hors d’oeuvres while shopping for chic fashion accents. From time to time, this shop sets up tables at local events, such as a recent rockabilly concert at The Landing or Jacksonville Riverside Wine Festival in Five Points to get the word out about their trendy store. Over time, they hope to sell their unique items online or through additional store locations.

These owners like the camaraderie of area business people who meet monthly and strive to help each other be successful in Five Points. They also show support for local charities by donating store gift cards. Drake and Carlisle love to interact with people. “We love to entertain and we’re always good for a laugh,” smiles Carlisle. Spontaneous by nature, they surprise their customers with specials on Facebook or through unplanned street flyer campaigns. Gift wrap for your purchases is always free.

As the holidays roll around, if you’re looking for a unique item for that hard to please friend or family member, visit Subculture, where fashion meets fun, at 1009 Park Street, Five Points, 904-619-7446 or friend them on Facebook.

-Bridges DelPonte, bridgesdelponte@yahoo.com (e-mail)/ http://www.bridgesdelponte.com(website)