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Cover – Jackie Zumba Fashion Diva, Jackie Z Style Co.

Jackie Z Style Co.: Where Fashion Meets Lifestyle

By Lalanea Gonzalez-Figueroa

Photography by Giovanni Lunardi

Design by Christian Lunardi

“Fashion fades, only style remains the same” Coco Chanel

Walk into her signature boutique in Downtown Sarasota, and you’re transported into Jackie Zumba’s world, where eclectic elements come together in fashionable harmony. The shop’s distinct vibe is at once intriguing and inviting; it’s a place where savvy shoppers and fashion neophytes comingle, where chic elegance is expressed at every turn, and where individuals are encouraged to explore and cultivate their unique personal styles. The New York native’s goal is to inspire customers to find themselves in fashion, to share the joy that the industry brings to her. “I’m excited about this,” she asserts. “I want shopping to be a great experience for everyone.”

She’s a whirlwind of energy and creativity, an entrepreneurial dynamo for whom the key to success has been to follow her instincts. Jackie’s marketing background and business acumen provided a solid platform upon which to launch her boutique, an inspired space with a decidedly sensual atmosphere. Music and aromatic hand-poured soy candles set the tone for customers to delve into fashion at their own pace, well-dressed mannequins offer easy visual cues on pulling together the elements of a signature look, and non-commissioned staff are available to provide individualized attention for each shopper’s unique wants and needs.

Jackie enjoys the outdoors. Its peacefulness gives her time to reflect and reinvigorize her creativity.

“We’re a different type of boutique,” explains Jackie. “We’re known for our great brands and one-of-a-kind pieces, as well as for our relationship-driven approach. With three stylists and an in-house tailor, we appreciate the opportunity to become a part of our customers’ fashion experience.” Jackie’s in- house tailor enables the customer to have a custom fitting while in the store. Jackie continues, “Not many boutiques have full time tailors at their disposal. This makes Jackie Z Style Co very unique as one can buy a new pair of jeans and literally wear them out, custom fitted, where most other stores don’t offer this service. Not only does the tailor fit dresses and jeans but she can create custom fitted shirts for our clients as well.”

Jackie’s signature boutique in Downtown Sarasota. Chic elegance awaits at every turn.

Incorporating trends into an existing wardrobe can be a daunting process, but Jackie Z encourages customers to embrace the experience. “We work with our customers to take pieces and make them their own,” she says. “Whether they’re looking to update their current apparel or revamping their entire closets, we are here to help.”

From formal to casual, accessories from Jackie Z complete the look.
Left Top: Dress by Sky. Left Middle: Top by Blaque Label, Jeans by David Kahn, Clutch by David Galan. Left Bottom: Dress by Pure & Simple. Right Top: Dress by E-Motion. Right Bottom: Dress by E-Motion.

Outside of the store Jackie will go on appointments to revamp people’s existing wardrobes. Working as a personal stylist, she will help you clean out your wardrobe, just update it or help put outfits together you may have never thought of before. She also accommodates personal styling appointments at the boutique. If you have an event or something special you want to be dressed for, you can come in and discuss the look you desire. Jackie then searches high and low to make this look possible for you, even if it is not in the store.

A mainstay at Jackie Z’s, beau Brian Kins, gets in on some modeling action. Shirt by AJ Pratt, Jeans by Fidelity.
Top: Shirt by Moods of Norway, Jeans by Buffalo. Middle: Shirt by Jared Lang, Jeans by Hudson. Bottom: Blazer by Jared Lang, Shirt by Moods of Norway, Jeans by Hudson.

She doesn’t just sell fashion; she lives it. Jackie embraces the elements that influence emerging designs and styles, incorporating them into her boutique with her signature flair. Taking in-store events to new levels, she artfully organizes opportunities for new and loyal customers to partake in a range of entertainment and activities. “We’ve had a lot of success with promotions like our Little Black Dress event, which featured a runway show, food, drinks and a DJ,” Jackie says. “We also threw a great launch party for my bikini line, with in-store models, food and drinks, and great music. People were dancing in the store and loved the firsthand look at the swimwear I designed for men and women.” Other popular events include a holiday shopping event with a free gift concierge. “That appealed to a lot of local men and women,” smiles Jackie. “It was a great way for them to find something special for their significant others.” She incorporated beauty, fashion and fitness with “Let Us Be Your BFF,” which featured consultations with a makeup artist, personal trainer and a mini styling session with Jackie. Event announcements and highlights are promoted on the boutique’s Facebook page.

Active in the community Jackie does enjoy down time at her downtown condo.

Jackie Z. Style Co. has become a popular destination for men and women seeking pieces from designers including Zachary Prell, Moods of Norway, Diesel, Hudson, Psycho Bunny, Jared Lang, A.G. Lovers & Friends, Sky, Blaque Label, David Lerner and White & Warren, the boutique also offers an array of locally-made jewelry, accessories and art. Jackie also has her own two lines on display in the store. One is ‘Uniquely Chic by Jackie Z’, a custom jewelry line only sold in Jackie Z boutiques and the other is ‘Jackie Z by CBBC’, a custom bikini line designed by Jackie herself and manufactured in the USA. The bathing suit photo’d in the article is one of Jackie Z’s custom bikinis.

Coco, left, and Pumpkin, right, are two of Jackie’s other loves.

“With amazing talent like Barbara Curic of Curic & Co.,” we really offer something for everyone, Jackie observes. And while the boutique is a haven for high-end shoppers, Jackie notes that she has “something for everyone.” She explains, “We have pieces for every budget; there’s always a way to affordably update or enhance your look.”

When she’s not traveling the country in search of new trends and designers Jackie is actively networking throughout Sarasota and the regional community, forging an impressive network of relationships spanning from local charities to musicians and special interest groups. She’s well-known among local businesses, and is constantly seeking ways to connect people through creative marketing opportunities. Even in her down time, Jackie can’t sit still for long. A member of the Sarasota Yacht Club, she enjoys kayaking and outdoor activities including time with her dogs Coco Chanel and Pumpkin.

Pumpkin approves of the dress by E-Motion.

What’s next for SRQ Magazine’s nominee for Best Dressed? “I’m opening a store in Saint Petersburg,” Jackie reveals. With plans to expand throughout the region, she looks forward to continued professional success. “Every step leads to something bigger and better,” she smiles. “I’m not stopping.”