*** Update 5/17/2018: This establishment has closed. ***
Sara Zamikoff realized her dream of becoming a small business owner almost eight years ago. Her bohemian chic boutique, Emporium, will celebrate its eight year anniversary this September. Sara, a trained pastry chef, decided her love of shopping and reputation for having a great style would help her boutique succeed; and she was right. After seven years, Emporium outgrew their first location and moved to 86 Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables.
Maple – official customer greeter
As soon as you walk in, Maple (Emporium’s official customer greeter) comes over to say hello. It’s the perfect welcoming for such a laid back and friendly shop. You can tell the space was carefully decorated with attention to detail. Wherever you look you find something unique and special from the hand-painted illustrations on the walls to the antique suitcases used as shelves and decorative accents. The decor gives the shop a whimsical effect.
Bohemian Chic Fashion with Personal Stylist Advice
Emporium specializes in carrying pieces that are casual staples with a relaxed feel and look. They carry some dressier items but the majority of the shop offers solutions for everyday style. Sara has always loved shopping and has a good eye for helping people find their true style. So if you are looking for trendy and comfortable clothes and accessories, Emporium is the place to go. Sara also offers personal stylist consultations. She will visit your home and go through your closet to build fashionable outfits from your current apparel. To find out more information on this personalized service email Sara at sara@shopemporiummiami.com.
Supporting Local Designers
Sara goes on buying trips a couple of times a year to keep the inventory fresh with the latest styles. However, most of the products you find at Emporium are local. Sara strongly supports local designers, “It’s important to shop local and support the local community.” When picking local designers Sara looks for quality, uniqueness, style, and designs that complement the aesthetics of Emporium. Local designers interested in working with Emporium should contact Sara at sara@shopemporiummiami.com.
Local designer, Blanca Beros, makes crystal, buddha, and tassel necklaces by hand. Sara has been working with Blanca since she opened over seven years ago; and is happy that they have both grown together as Emporium became more widely known, “It is quite satisfying to be able to tell the story of Blanca and her children when someone is looking for a gift. It makes a gift more special when you know the story of how it was made.” Working with local designers allows Sara to give each item in her shop a unique, backstory that customers can connect with. You can really tell the love and passion that went into making each handmade piece. Each piece is beautiful and unique.
Emporium also carries a brand of handmade items from Bali called Indah. The designer uses screen print designs and shell details giving each piece a beachy vibe. Inspiring Your Chi is a line of jewelry and Feng Shui necklaces produced by two local women. The two designers have an ecologically minded manufacturing process, “We believe in a fair & mindful method of producing jewelry. We choose to respect the humanity of every single person involved in the creation of our products. From material sourcing to delivery, we take every measure possible to reduce the environmental impact of our product.”
Monthly Events & Promotions
Emporium has fun and exciting monthly events/trunk shows featuring the latest products. During these events, customers get to meet the designers behind the handmade products. It’s always fun to find out where things came from and meet new passionate people. Sara also has customer appreciation events. The last customer appreciation event featured an artist drawing illustrations of each person attending the party. Visit their website for more details shopemporiummiami.com
Visit emporium every week to find new products. Also follow them on social media (Facebook + Instagram) because that’s how they advertise their FLASH SALES. The flash sales usually have a deeply discounted item of the day while supplies last. Flash sales tend to happen on rainy days, so if you’re cooped up in your house on a gloomy day, check out Emporium on Instagram for some fun!
Coral Gables Love Reader Perks
Once again, it pays off to be Coral Gables Love Reader! Use this coupon and you will receive $10 OFF a purchase of $50 or more. It cannot be combined with other offers and there is a limit of 1 per customer. The coupon expires August 31, 2015.
