My love of  beautiful clothes, the arts and people began very early in life.  During my teenage years I would design, alter and construct pretty dresses for myself and friends.  Often times my Mother would send me beautiful outfits from New York City (where she was working at that time), and I would recreate one of my dresses for my best friend to wear to an upcoming dance or church event.  I also loved music! I played the piano and conducted my church choir all during my college years. 

 

My husband, Jim and I were always the adventurous, risk taking couple.  “Nothing ventured, nothing gained!"  We moved to Washington, DC from Birmingham in the late 1950’s in search of opportunity, graduate school and fun! We both embarked on careers in the District of Columbia public school system where we enjoyed enriching the lives of youngsters for 34 years! All throughout my life I have encouraged women to be their best. I had this philosophy in my classroom, at home and in my community.  I am a charter member (November, 1973), of the Montgomery County, Maryland chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Eta Pi Zeta Chapter. Our chapter was the first in Maryland to host a debutante cotillion (1978), honoring African American girls and the first to organize group tours for high school students to historically black colleges.

 

Jim and I often dreamed of having a business but, what we thought?? As we neared retirement age we finally decided on women’s clothing and accessories.  Of course this was my vote! Incorporating my passion for fashion with making women feel confident and glamorous was the perfect fit!  ‘If you look good you feel even better’ is what I would say.  In 1982 we launched Lovely Lady Boutique, “The Unique Boutique”! Our mission has always been to provide a high quality, fashionable product at an affordable price while providing excellent customer service! 

 

We humbly began by adopting the concept of the “Tupperware Party”.  A person would invite their friends to view our clothing lines and the hostess would receive a percentage of the days’ sales. Ladies really enjoyed this concept of shopping in a relaxed environment while receiving personal image consulting and service.  However, after a few years my hubby grew weary of hauling the clothes to and fro. Jim subtly encouraged me to move into a permanent location……… ;-).  We opened our first store in 1989 in Bethesda, Md., where we stayed for the next 12 years.  During this time we began showcasing our fashions in local fashion shows.  Now we produce about 10 shows per year mostly in the Spring and Fall months. 

 

My daughter Raynette has been an integral part of our business for the last 20 years.  After being out in the world doing her “thing” she is now working full time with me.  Raynette is helping to move us forward into our next phase… ONLINE shopping!  We hope that you enjoy your virtual shopping experience with LLB. 

 

Our methods of how we bring our fashions to our customers may change but our committment to providing the best products and outstanding customer service will always remain the same!

 

Thank you for your patronage and support!

All the Best!

Ethel