Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Lally.
Erin, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Gingerly Witty all began from my love of personal style, but my path to opening up a shop was far from linear. I studied TV in college and moved out to LA (circa 2010) immediately after to pursue writing and acting, but quickly realized that fast-paced, little to no reward world was not for me. So, I found myself taking odd, part-time jobs to make rent.
My first was as an administrative assistant for a business valuation firm, where I learned the ins and outs of business appraisal and how to write up a profit and loss statement. Yet throughout this time, my sense of style and love for it evolved, partly because I was working in a one-woman office and there was no dress code, but also because I was exploring my twenty-something self and how I wanted to present myself to the world.
My second part-time job was as a sales associate at the Anthropologie at The Grove. Suddenly, I became connected to other girls who shared my sartorial interests and inspired me regularly. Working at The Grove often felt like I was thrown into the deep end of retail. It was through this method that I gained first-hand experience in customer service, point-of-sale systems, inventory management, etc. And, while I learned a great deal, I had an inkling inside me that I was meant to pursue a different path, one of my own making.
From there, everything seemed to happen so quickly. After writing my business plan and securing funding, I set out to find a brick and mortar space. I considered going online only at first, but brick and mortar were calling me. So, when I came upon the 1710 W Sunset Boulevard space, I couldn’t pass it up. Though locking down the spot was no easy task, having to compete against well-established businesses looking to open up second locations. And yet, the Jensen Recreation Center team saw something in my vision. Soon enough, I was calling up a Home Polish designer to rebuild the (then) karate studio into a warm, inviting boutique, buying inventory from several designers and heading off to Las Vegas market.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would not call it a smooth road, but my bumps are mine and I wouldn’t trade them for anything different. As a child, into my late teens and throughout my 20’s, I struggled with depression and anxiety, experiencing the world as a place I didn’t belong, where people didn’t like me for me. This is not a unique experience but when you are in it, it is incredibly isolating and frightening. But, once I was able to pursue my own dream (as opposed to being on the sidelines of someone else’s), all the pieces seemed to slowly click into place.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Gingerly Witty story. Tell us more about the business.
As the owner/operator of Gingerly Witty, I wanted to create a space that had a neighborhood vibe with affordable quality products and one-of-a-kind merchandise with an appreciation for local designers and a spotlight on stylistically unique goods. I hope to bring this vision to my clients in a way that is special to Gingerly Witty.
What we’re creating is a lifestyle destination focused on a specific customer, someone who is gingerly witty — a woman who is creative and eclectic in terms of her tastes but is leading a busy, ambitious life. So, what she needs are beautiful clothes that are also rooted in ease, versatility and accessibility.
We want the references we’re making to what’s happening in fashion and other cultural arenas to feel intuitively familiar but done in a way that surprises our customer. We focus on offering real clothes that you can live and work in — so, you can have a closet with less stuff, yet more options.
I wanted to create something that reflected how modern women want to dress — in pieces that are stylish and interesting, but more importantly, that feel smart. Gingerly Witty is for a new generation of women going places and we’re proud to be part of this movement and excited to dress you and your home. I believe when women feel confident and powerful — in short, at our best — there is truly nothing we can’t accomplish. From back-to-back meetings to getaways across the globe, empowering your real lives is what inspires us.
Focused on connecting you with truly special pieces, we seek to work with designers that are mindful of ethical production and use high-quality materials. We mix light, clean lines cut with sharp sophistication; Bold, edgy flair tempered by the understated feminine. Standing apart from the flow of mainstream culture, we seek out bold new blends, fashion that surprises and style that speaks California life at its most vibrant and thrilling. Everyone has an authentic story to tell. This is ours.
With a friendly, knowledgeable and style-oriented staff (okay, it’s just me, Erin!), Gingerly Witty will help you find the perfect piece to bring style and warmth to your life. If you’re a fan of Californian eclectic decor, locally handmade goods, and gifts that tickle your whimsies, we have a feeling we’re going to get along just fine. Check out the journal, browse our online store or pop into the boutique to say hello. We can’t wait to meet you!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’d say, I’ve been very lucky in life and business. While, I’ve had my missteps and some bad luck along the way, I’ve been able to bounce back and learn from these experiences. My dad has always told me that to make mistakes is good because it gives you the opportunity to learn and grow. Now, after having started a business and worked to grow it, I understand what he was saying after all these years.
Pricing:
- Clothing styles range from $25 – $200
Contact Info:
- Address: 1710 W Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026 - Website: gingerly-witty.myshopify.com
- Phone: 213-378-0730
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gingerlywitty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gingerlywitty/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gingerly-witty-los-angeles
- Other: https://www.pinterest.com/GingerlyWitty/
Image Credit:
@ladiesofparadise, @wanderlustcreatives, @kelseychristinephoto, @anniewphotography
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
