Arlington shoppers, get ready-this one’s for the ladies. The Speckled Ginger Boutique, a concept dedicated to bringing not just fashion but comfort, ease, and even fun to its customers, is opening its first brick and mortar location in Arlington later this year.
Helmed capably by Leslie Ford, The Speckled Ginger is setting up shop at 11125 Highway 70, suite 103. The boutique will have a dedicated 1,300 square feet to hold its array of clothes, jewelry and accessories. Owner Ford intends to use the storefront to create a unique and welcoming experience that transcends shopping; she was kind enough to speak with What Now Memphis about her vision for the shop.
“As women, we go through so many changes throughout our lives.” She says “Our bodies change, hormones change, our lifestyles change, and our personal style changes right along with us. I never want a woman to walk into The Speckled Ginger and feel like she’s too old, too young, too curvy, not trendy enough, or that the store simply isn’t ‘for her.’”
Indeed, Ford’s mission with The Speckled Ginger is to ensure every woman feels seen and at ease. She explains: “Being size inclusive is also very important to me. We carry many of our styles in sizes XS-3XL and I want to continue expanding the options we can offer women as we grow. I want a mom to shop alongside her daughter and both of them find something they love. I want women to feel comfortable trying something new, asking for help, or simply browsing without feeling judged or pressured.”
Ford is creating more than a simple shopping trip; she is crafting an experience: “I want women to walk in, feel comfortable, look around, laugh with us, try things on and just be themselves. Get some jewelry or a gift. Treat themself to something new. Bring a friend and come hang out in the store. Tell me what they are looking for or hoping I carry next. Tell me their favorite brands, styles, etc. I love my customers, their feedback, and their support!”
Ford has been an Arlington resident for 7 years and looks forward to serving a community that’s become home to her and her family. She explains that The Speckled Ginger will be moving into a vibrant neighborhood: “The particular location immediately appealed to me because of the surrounding businesses. There is a fantastic nail salon, a hair salon, a dance studio, a tanning salon and several great restaurants…including Mexican, burgers, and pho and boba. As the owner of a women’s boutique, I honestly could not ask for better neighbors! It already feels like a destination where women and families are coming to eat, shop, get their nails or hair done, take their kids to dance, or spend time with friends. The opportunity to bring The Speckled Ginger into that mix just felt like a natural fit.”
The Speckled Ginger was born out of Ford’s own love for boutique shopping and was helped along by a supportive cheering section. She states: “A few years ago, my twin stepdaughters started tossing around the idea that I should open a boutique. It began almost playfully, but the more my husband and I talked about it, the more I realized how naturally it fit with something I was already passionate about. My husband was 100% supportive, and I decided to go for it.”
Future customers eager to begin your shopping lists, don’t worry; Ford will have a bit of everything a fashionista could want. She describes her stock, saying: “I will carry clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories with a mix of current trends and wearable everyday pieces for different ages, sizes and styles. And I will have some great gift ideas too…if you need something for a teacher, a friend, a party or event!”
Ford is also a permanent jewelry designer and will be offering that service at The Speckled Ginger, which she says will “be a really fun part of having a permanent home for The Speckled Ginger. Customers will be able to walk in for permanent jewelry, but I will also have the flexibility to host private appointments, small parties, pop ups and other special events.”
Ford is optimistic about having The Speckled Ginger customer-ready this fall. She will be providing opening updates on the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages, so be certain to follow along for all the news fit to print.
The Speckled Ginger is certain to be embraced by Arlington; Ford is meticulously creating some place special, bound to be an oasis for area women. As she states: “My vision goes beyond creating a pretty boutique. I want to create a space where women genuinely feel comfortable being themselves.”
