By Katrice
Estella Boutique, the earthy, feminine shop of Tameka Raymond is like an oasis in the middle of Roswell, Ga. I feel as if I've happened upon a sweet little secret that on one hand, I want to keep tucked away; my own retail sanctuary. And on the other, can't wait to share with every fashion-lover in my circle. They will certainly be indebted to me for this find. (Thanks Kam!) If you want downtime cool, she has it. Dinner fabulous, she has it. Career sophisticated, she has that too. And the bonus: You'll have been styled by Ms. Raymond herself. Well, not exactly. But, it will feel like you have been -- as every piece is handpicked by the veteran stylist herself.
Aside from combing the racks of Estella, I sat down with Tameka for a chat about her newest venture.
Why the name Estella?
It was my maternal grandmother's name, and she passed away in December. In Persian, it means star, which I thought was so pretty. So, it's an ode to her.
This area of shops is one of the city's best kept secrets. How did you decide on Canton Street as the home for your boutique?
Besides it's proximity to my home, I just love the feeling of the street. My paternal grandmother lived in an area of California called Clear Lake, and it was very similar this neighborhood. There's something so endearing and sweet ... it feels like Pleasantville. It's also very historic and full of character. This building is actually the oldest in Roswell.
How would you describe your selection?
Some of it is based on my personal taste and style. Then, I also thought about my demographic -- teen moms, stay-at-home moms and retired women. It's not a boutique of trendy things. I filled it with classic pieces that could go with anything.
What is your favorite item in the store?
A striped linen blazer by Olive and Olivia. I live for that blazer.
If you could live in one wardrobe item, what would it be?
I know you just asked for one, but definitely a pair of jeans and an Alexander Wang tank. I'm a huge fan of Alexander Wang.
I feel like from what I've seen of your personal style, professional work and how you've stocked your store, I'd love to see an actual line from you. Is that ever in your plans?
A potential clothing line has been in the works for the past five years. It's called Hides & Dungarees. Sometimes I over think it and I am always critiquing it because it's like a dream ... a baby of mine. I haven't brought it out because I get cold feet. I want it to be right.
I've also been busy doing other things like raising my boys and working with my foundation, the Lost Ones. I spend half of the year planning for our events with the girls.
But when I do debut my line, it will be here. I would turn the whole back room into a Hides & Dungarees room.