Snoqualmie resident and small business owner, Jodi Jeffries, said she knew as a teenager that fashion was her passion – and that being a buyer for Nordstrom was what she wanted to do.
After earning degrees in fashion merchandising and apparel merchandising and textiles, Jodi worked for Nordstrom, Macy’s, The Gap, Dillards, Chicos and Dimora Home. All of that experience led her to open two small stores in Kennewick and then a designer clothing boutique in Phoenix.
About 10 years ago Jodi and husband Jay put down roots in Snoqualmie, where they welcomed their son Trey who is now 7-years old.
Jodi says she always knew she wanted to open a boutique in Snoqualmie, but had a tremendous fear of failure. She pushed past that fear a few years ago, though, when right before Christmas her husband lost his job.
She said, “I felt even though it was a huge risk, that I would trust my faith and this timing.”
That’s when JL The Boutique was born. Jodi threw herself into it, and immediately began doing popular pop-up shops at the former SnoValley Coffee and Sigillo Cellars to showcase her apparel line, which she describes as “new, on trend affordable relatable women’s apparel, handbags, and jewelry.”
The pop-up shops continued to grow, moving out of Snoqualmie to Barre 3 in Issaquah and Bellevue and then to more wineries like Woodhouse, Cave B and Tagaris. Jodi said they became a very busy family business, which required a ton of effort, but they made it work.
Earlier this year, a family friend reached out to them about a potential retail space for the growing business in historic Snoqualmie – offering the perfect size and complete with a great landlord. They signed a lease on the small Falls Ave space that had been home to Snoqualmie Valley Pet Parlor for about nine years.
Renovating the space was more intensive than initially expected, but they took on the challenge, taking the space down to the studs and replacing everything: new walls, new floors, new lighting. In mid-July JL The Boutique opened, featuring apparel, accessories, gifts and even some home decor.
Jodi commented, “We love our community and are extremely thankful to be a part of the downtown vibe.” She said without the support of other local businesses, they never would’ve been able to grow into a brick and mortar boutique, and for that they are very grateful.
JL The boutique has also helped Jodi rediscover her store merchandising creativity, but says her favorite part is the relationships she establishes with clients while styling and putting together outfits. She said she enjoys helping people feel their best – and most comfortable – in the clothing she carries.
Good luck, Jodi, Jay and JL The Boutique!
JL The Boutique is located at 8103 Falls Ave SE in downtown Snoqualmie. They are open 10AM – 7PM, Tuesday – Saturday and Sundays from 12-5PM.
Oh! And Jodi is also still doing pop-up locations. To keep up with those dates and locations, follow their Facebook page.
