Lillian Stinson, co-owner of Lola Pepper. Photo by Monica Escamilla.
Step into Lola Pepper (lolapepper.com) at 207 N. Davis Ave. in The Fan and you’re transported to a carefully curated world of bohemian fashion showcased in a rustically elegant space.
Celebrating its first anniversary in May, Lola Pepper has seen an ever-increasing amount of foot traffic. Co-owner Jillian Stinson says, “It’s definitely off the beaten path, but I want it to be more like a destination and [business has] been great … word of mouth has been huge.”
Stinson and her husband, Billy, draw from their backgrounds in fashion and business to run the store.
There is no Lola Pepper: The name came to her in a dream. “It’s definitely random,” she says.
The merchandise is a mix of unique fashion and accessories from international, national and local makers. You’ll find items such as crochet jewelry from local maker Twist Style and leather cuffs made with vintage spoons from North Carolina-based artisan The Dove Cote Brocante.
Many of the brands are fair-trade goods. There are purses from The Tote Project that were made by survivors of sex trafficking. The company gives the survivors lessons in sewing, creating jobs and a fresh start in life among other assistance.
“I try to carry goods that do good, I call it,” Stinson says. “Most everything in here has a story behind it, which I really like, too.”
Stinson describes her inventory as an assortment of accessories in a boho chic style. It’s a unique selection drawn from a constantly rotating inventory. Prices typically range from $25 to $200.
“I want everybody that comes in here [to] feel welcome and hopefully I have a little bit of something for everybody.”
With its Second Sundays promotion, Lola Pepper offers classes and workshops led by local artisans whose merchandise is for sale in the store. There are also monthly trunk shows featuring new local makers.
