Q. What does your company do?

A. Simply Jo’s is an inviting, upscale, contemporary clothing boutique offering quality designer clothes, shoes, and accessories to ladies of all ages in Sarasota. Simply Jo’s is based on our highly successful "cousin" store Simply Meg’s of Greensboro, NC which has been in operation for sixteen years! For years, I have adored and loved my cousin Meg’s wonderful boutique in Greensboro and thought what a great idea it would be to share her vision with the Sarasota community. I knew it would be a unique and instant hit. Meg has been visiting Sarasota for years and fell in love with Sarasota and absolutely agreed. Coming from a medical background, I needed her help. She taught me the industry, introduced me to her connections, and took me to the Markets in Atlanta and New York. As the next Simply Meg’s, it was only fitting to name the store Simply Jo’s.

Q. What prompted you to start your own business? 

A. For the past decade, I have enjoyed a successful career in the medical field working as a Nurse Practitioner for a local gastroenterology group. I am very proud of my accomplishments and the hard work it took to make it to this point. I loved all the people I worked with and the patients I met. I have no regrets with that chapter of my life, however, life is about growing as a person and we accomplish this by experiencing new things and by being open to exploring new avenues. When this opportunity presented itself to start and own a clothing boutique, I immediately felt my heart leading me in that direction and I made the jump! Everyone has been so amazingly supportive since day one. I know I made the right decision.

Q. What is unique about your business and sets you apart from the rest? 

A. Simply Jo's is unique in that it offers an inviting, personal shopping experience in an intimate, yet fun, warm setting. It's a safe place away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life where we focus on you. Whether you are searching for a special gift or for that perfect designer piece, when you stop by, you are always welcomed with open arms. We also offer complimentary and unique gift wrap year round.

Q. What do you find most fulfilling about what you do? 

A. Although I love the challenge of running the boutique, whether merchandising the perfect spot for a piece, keeping the right balance of inventory, or forecasting for the upcoming season, by far the most fulfilling is meeting and working with my clients. I am a people-person and I find nothing more fulfilling than making a personal connection that I know will only grow in the future with everyone that comes in. That is truly what makes me so excited to open those doors every morning! Shopping for designer clothing is a deeply personal experience. It should be handled with the right nature and, therefore, you should choose a boutique that possesses that understanding. When you enter a boutique as a customer, you are bringing with you a lifetime of hard work, experiences, and resulting triumphant success.Your clothing should reflect those values. We recognize that and will give you the respect and personalized care you deserve that large chain stores cannot.

Q. How would one of our neighborhood residents know they could benefit from your boutique?

A. If you want a shopping experience where you will be a welcomed friend and be valued as an individual with your own unique history, then you will find that at our boutique through our pieces and our setting. Our goal is that you will instantly feel the warm, personal, and cozy vibe that is Simply Jo's.

Q. Where did you grow up, how long have you lived in the area and tell us about your family.

A. I was born in Greensboro, NC but moved shortly after to Vero Beach, FL where I was raised. I have lived in the area now for over ten years. I have a wonderful husband whom I met in Sarasota and we now have a beautiful two year old daughter.

Q. What are your favorite things to do locally?

A. I love enjoying the unique beauty of Sarasota with my friends and family whether being on the water, attending local events, walking through a park, or enjoying one of the many amazing, local restaurants.

Q. What are you most grateful for and what do you attribute your success to? 

A. I am most grateful to my wonderful friends and family. I am so blessed to have such a foundation of love to encourage and help me when times are stressful. I absolutely attribute my success to their love and support. After all, life is meant to be shared (and shouldered) with others!

Q. How are you and your business involved in the community? 

A. Simply Jo's absolutely believes in doing our part for the goal of nurturing and maintaining our healthy, vibrant community. It is vital we embrace and support each other! Even though we are just starting our journey we have already made that a priority by participating in reciprocal "pop up's" with Sarasota's very own Blu Home in Southside Village and by doing silent online auction with the annual Wine, Women, and Shoes charity event.

Q. What else should we know about you, your family, hobbies, or your business?

A. Like our clientele, our inventory is special and unique. We purposely bring in only small clothing orders to ensure that feeling. Therefore, we always encourage everyone to check back with us often to see what new and exciting pieces have just arrived. Also, if one of our pieces is calling to you, don't hesitate! 

Q. Why did you choose to partner with our neighborhood publication and community? 

A. Simply Jo's mission is to offer a personal, warm experience for our clientele by offering high quality, unique clothing that reflects our clients' values. We want to align ourselves with positive, successful individuals who share those values. We strongly feel STROLL Magazine exhibits those values and feel so very honored and blessed to be able to partner with such a wonderful voice for the community.

Q. What is your favorite thing about your neighborhood STROLL publication?

A. We are so excited to be part of the Sarasota community and look forward to years of wonderful relationships with those who call this beautiful place home.