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Oo La La

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Written by Beth Wade Wednesday, 07 November 2007

Vendors provide unique selection for boutique

Lisa Jackens always knew she wanted to open her own retail shop, and after years of working in retail management at other people’s stores, she was able to realize her dreams with the gift boutique Oo La La.

“This is all I’ve ever wanted to do,” she said. “It was just a matter of time before I was able to do it.”

The gift shop on Pecan Street is an eclectic mix of gifts and treasures where several different vendors rent space to sell their wares, Jackens said.

“I fell in love with this building when I saw it. The flow is perfect for a shop,” Jackens said. “I could visualize the whole shop and knew exactly what I wanted it to look like. I’m lucky the vendors came with me. I love their stuff.”

Each vendor offers different items, some art and home décor, others accessories and beauty items.

Jackens travels to Dallas every January and June to go to market and find new items to fill the rest of the store.

“Once I commit to something, it’s got to be the best of the best,” she said.

Among her finds are EZ Duz It by Elliot, handmade purses and bags, and Pre de Provence, soaps from France that are not found anywhere else in the area, she said.

“I try to fill the rest of the store with very unusual and fun things. I’m always looking for things that pop out and stand out from everything else at market,” Jackens said. “I also love to buy from companies that give back to the artisans who make these products.”

Jackens opened the store as La De Da in July 2006, but changed the name to Oo La La after finding a store with a similar name in southwest Austin.

“I like the name Oo La La because to me it describes everything fun and eclectic,” she said. “It explains the store and the positive experience of the shop.”

Jackens’ goal is to greet each shopper and offer them the best customer service around, she said.

Upon arriving at the store, Jackens provides drinks, hot or cold, and a personal tour of the store. Each purchase is gift wrapped for free with ribbon and tissue.

“I want to make it a really fun experience,” she said. “Part of the shopping experience is it’s got to be fun. If it’s not, they will go somewhere else.”

Featured at Oo La La...