On today’s Small Business Spotlight, I’m honored to be able to feature Albany James in Clive!

Meet Anastasia, the owner, founder and buyer for Albany James (formerly known as The Funky Zebras).

I first met Anastasia about a year ago.  I had driven past her shop (when it was still The Funky Zebras) countless times since I don’t live terribly far from there, and was able to stop in and check it out.  She greeted me warmly and showed me around the store.  I forget how we got on the topic but she was going to be hosting a Sip & Shop event for a local MOPS group soon, and since I was a part of a different MOPS group (currently attending MomsNext) this got us chatting about different event possibilities.  I couldn’t wait to go back!

Just when I planned to visit the shop again my oldest son got sick and missed 8 days of school, so of course I was home caring for him.  Not long after that I developed pneumonia myself and was hospitalized for several days, and dealt with a long recovery plus other unrelated health issues that put several things on the back burner for me while I focused on my health.

So, here we are…the kids are back in school, I’m not in the hospital (hallelujah!), so I was excited to visit Anastasia’s boutique again!  Since I follow her boutique on social media, I knew she was in the process of re-branding her boutique and wanted to learn more.

And now I’m excited to share this with you!

Albany James is a modern women’s boutique, inspired by making larger city fashions accessible.  Anastasia grew up in the north Chicago neighborhood of Albany Park, with boutiques on the main streets, thrift stores on the side streets, and back alleyways with graffiti walls.  She was surrounded by various styles and fashions, and exposed to many colors, textures, and fabrics that all influenced her.

One of the most influential people in her life is her Godfather James, whom she describes as a very kind and inspiring person, someone whom she always felt safe and reassured around.  James reminds her not to be scared or doubt herself.  So as Anastasia was thinking of a new name for her boutique, she wrote down various ideas with pages of names that meant nothing but sounded cool.  So she asked herself what she wanted to think about and remind herself of every day?  Albany Park….James….

Albany James. 

“Like naming a child!”

This girl is a go-getter!  Anastasia opened The Funky Zebras at age 25 with no business experience, but was determined to learn. 

Her mom Laura nurtured her to follow her dreams and ‘just do it’.  After studying pre-law at the University of Iowa, she was just 1 week away from taking the LSAT when she decided she didn’t want to be a lawyer.  She called her mom and told her.

Mom didn’t freak out.

Mom wasn’t mad.

Mom didn’t say “what are/were you thinking?”

Instead, her mom showed love and support to her, asking what her plan is.  She didn’t want her to hate her life & be disappointed. 

She thought, “Why can’t I do this?”

Determined to make her dream a reality, Anastasia drove down streets of Des Moines with her husband who was, and is, incredibly supportive of her plans for business ownership.  Her mother-in-law even went in to business with her initially to help get her started. 

She opened The Funky Zebras in November of 2017 with her mother-in-law.  “I had a great partnership with her, she believed in me” she said.

As of January 1, 2019, Anastasia has owned the business by herself.  With past experience in Chicago as an interior organizer, Anastasia’s mom, Laura, came on board to organize the store. 

With tears in her eyes, Anastasia said, “At age 60 my mom gave up her life to help give my dream a chance.”

What a dream come true.

I found this cute and oh so comfy camel colored ruched t-shirt dress at Albany James and it’s a new favorite for fall! I paired this with black leggings and a denim jacket too on a chillier morning.

If you haven’t visited Albany James, stop what you’re doing RIGHT NOW and go. Seriously. Right now. And, be sure to check the special sales in the back of the store while you’re at it!

***Mention at check out that you saw this blog post to receive 10% off one item!

Albany James is conveniently located at 1255 NW 128th St. in Clive, Iowa, between Nothing Bundt Cakes and Pieology.   They are open Monday through Friday 10:00AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays 10:00AM to 6:00PM, and Sundays 11:00AM to 4:00PM.  Visit their website at shopalbanyjames.com, and be sure to follow AJ on Facebook and Instagram to see new fashions arriving every Monday.