Lawanda Thornton, owner of two Lavish Boutiques, encountered a challenging path and journey of pure faith to get to where she is now and share her story to help others. When you come into Lavish, not only do we dress the physical man, but we also dress the spirit man. Before you leave, we ask you to take a word for the day, usually scripture. A word to encourage, inspire, and uplift those who enter Lavish Boutique. “It's more ministry than anything for me.”

Good afternoon, Lawanda! Introduce yourself to Bluff City Magazine.

I am Lawanda Thornton, Owner/Operator and CEO of Lavish. A Luxe Boutique, located at 4230 Elvis Presley Boulevard, and our newest location, Lavish. Too Boutique 676 Marshall Avenue.

Your journey before opening your boutiques was challenging but worth it. Describe your path to walking in your purpose and becoming an entrepreneur.

I was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but most of my younger years were spent in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I was gifted and talented and went to college, but I was quickly exposed to the wrong crowd and lifestyle.  I was enticed by the fast and quick money people made by stealing and selling clothes and decided to do the same. I was caught and sentenced to five years in prison.

I only did 15 months of my 5-year sentence. I used the time to read the Bible, which gave me the clarity to promise God that I would never steal again. God told me that I would be going home! Upon leaving prison, I vowed to buy my children a home in Milwaukee, and I am proud to say I achieved this. I am now sharing my testimony to encourage and inspire others.

18 years ago, I had the opportunity to visit my extended family in North Memphis. During my stay, I took a trip to Wolfchase Galleria, and I was absolutely stunned by the beauty of the homes in the area. Needless to say, this encouraged me to make the choice to move back to Memphis to purchase my second home.

How was the concept of the Lavish Boutique created?

Six years ago, my son and I booked a flight to Vegas and drove to L.A. for a personal shopping excursion; God spoke to me and said, “You’re going to get a hookup.” I didn't know what that meant, so I ignored it the first time, continued to enjoy myself, and He said it again. I listened a little closer but still didn't know the full meaning of it. That third time when he said, “You’re going to get a hookup,” very gentle and soft. I shared it with my son. I said, God just told me I was going to get a hookup.

We walked a little more, and my son turned around, and he said, Mom, do you remember when I was 12, you wanted a boutique? I said, Oh, my God, do you remember that? He said, yes, do you believe it? I said, “Maybe”. My son needed to run back to the fashion district, and I also needed a phone case. The store didn’t have a phone case for my specific phone. As I turned around, I saw a boutique directly across the street. The boutique had the most beautiful pieces. I said, Oh, my God. I'm going to purchase four items. When I walked to the register, the young lady said, “Hi, how are you? Are you from Los Angeles?” I told her we were visiting from Memphis to celebrate our birthdays. Can you believe that when he was 12, I wanted a boutique? It was my dream. I lived just for fashion.

She said these words, “I will help you.” I broke down, literally, almost to my knees in tears. I remembered what God said just the day before. I didn't know this lady. I had never been to L.A. She wasn't even my race. She proceeded to pick up her business card and write on the back of this card her name and her cell phone number. We were in disbelief, and it was surreal.

How did this “hook-up” prepare you to open the boutique?

While on vacation, I bought 20 wholesale items, and my son asked, “What are you going to do with those?” I said if I can sell them, we're opening a boutique. Within one week, when I came home, I sold all those jackets except one. Literally, a few weeks later, God spoke to me and said, look for a building. God led me to a building in Whitehaven, but some didn’t think it was a prime location. They said, “There's no money there,” and “The building doesn't face Elvis Presley.”  I decided to go anyway. I tried to get everyone to go with me. No one had time, so I went alone. When I walked in, I looked at it and said, “It's perfect!” The agent asked if I wanted to lease it. I told him my story. I shared with him that God told me to look for a building. I have no money. I've never done this before. This will be my first time. I said, “But I think it'll work.” He looked at me in silence, and he said, you know what, I'm going to help you build your business. I'm going to give you three months’ free rent. I didn't know how to respond. But before it was over, it was five months of free rent. Five years and three months later, I have styled many clients and customers, including comedians and rappers. I have shopped with known celebrities who have similar clothing stores. Even through a pandemic and three break-ins, we are still standing! In June 2023, we opened our second location in the Medical District at 676 Marshall Avenue. I was ecstatic!

How did you know that Fashion was your calling?

When you’re passionate about fashion, it’s more than just a job.  One of my earlier jobs was Gantos Clothing, which is similar to a boutique. I've always had an eye for fashion, and styling is second nature. I can do it blindfolded, in my sleep, upside down. It’s my passion.

How do celebrities come to find out about the Lavish brand?

Initially, it was through sponsorship at a local comedy club.  Then, simply word of mouth, social media, and other advertising genres.  It’s an honor to see celebrities bypass large department stores to patronize this little store in Whitehaven that doesn't face Elvis Presley Blvd called LAVISH. A LUXE BOUTIQUE and LAVISH. TOO.

Lawanda, this is amazing. I looked up the word lavish, and it means bountiful, generous. I love that word. When I think of lavish, I initially think of something elegant, but the word means bountiful and generous. Did you know that?

Yes. My business partner (RJ) came up with the name LAVISH.  The first location is called LAVISH. A LUXE BOUTIQUE because that's what we are, LAVISH (PERIOD), an upscale boutique. Our second location is LAVISH. TOO (Lavish also). We specialize in high-fashion, elegant, and unique clothing.

What makes Lavish Boutique different and extremely lavish is that we dress the women and men at our boutiques from the inside out. When you come into Lavish, not only do we dress the physical man, but we also dress the spirit man. Before you leave, we ask you to take a word for the day, usually scripture. A word to encourage, inspire, and uplift those who enter Lavish Boutique. “It's more ministry than anything for me.”

What makes Lavish so different in terms of someone who comes in that’s never been style but saying, I want something different. Perhaps they’re preparing for a photoshoot or birthday celebration and want something “lavish.” Describe that interaction. How do you help them pick out the best look for the occasion?

Actually, when you come into Lavish, we attempt to greet you within your first 10 seconds because customer service is key. We are stylists providing a one-on-one, personal styling experience. When you come in, we’re already looking at your body shape and asking if you are being styled for a special event. Once you tell us the event and/or designated color, we have already coordinated several selections for your occasion by knowing inventory styles and material selections to ensure your styling needs are properly met.

Let's talk about these clothes, honey. How are the pieces manufactured, and what makes your fashion pieces different?

My fashions are unique and exclusive (I rarely order the same items). I've always propelled beyond my boundaries, stepped outside the box, and do a little extra. I want my customers and clients to feel “LAVISH”! Then I can say, “You’ve just been LAVIRIZED!”

My current vendors are nationwide; however, I recently obtained my passport for more international business relationships. With the boutique game being overly saturated, I must stay ahead of the game to stay in the game.

What would you suggest to someone inspired by your story who wants to get into fashion or open their own boutique?

First, I would tell them to search their heart and make sure that it is something they're passionate about because, as with any business, you will have your highs and lows. If you're passionate about it, you'll enjoy doing it even on a slow day.  Secondly, I would tell them to put God first and never give up! Finally, I would tell them what a young lady told me: “You got this, but don’t expect your friends or family to be your number one customer because if you do, you're setting yourself up for failure”. Your number one customer will more than likely be a stranger.

What does the vision look like for the expansion of Lavish?

My oldest son, R.J., has been my business partner for over five years. He relocated to Memphis in June to manage the Whitehaven location (4230 Elvis Presley Blvd).  My mother (M. Holt) and my aunt S. Phillips manage our location at 676 Marshall Avenue. I do see a third location out of state. God has given me the location; however, I must wait on his perfect timing to implement his plan for my life.

Is there anything I didn't ask that you want readers to know?

One of my signature annual events is called Beauty & Bubbles Fashion Show, which includes brunch and testimonial service. The premise was to feast with the broken, cracked and bent women to let them know that it was ALL necessary for the mending, the making, and the molding of the women He ordained us to be today. Our first event was on March 19, 2023, and we had a feasting table of 48 women. During the first two hours, selected women presented their testimonies and/or spoken words of encouragement, followed by a magnificent (sold-out) fashion show. I get so emotional because owning a boutique, I never thought that it could be so inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting to the women in the community. Dressing someone on the outside is wonderful; however, the clothes may go out of style, become worn/torn, or shrink. But dressing someone from the inside out will never go out of style because His word will always remain the same.

Love it.  Lawanda, what can we expect from you and Lavish next? What's the next elevation? Let's close this out on a high note.

Lavish Customer Appreciation Day (October 29, 2023) is followed by radio and billboard advertisements in November and the Wintry Lavishland Fall Fashion Show! The show will be on December 3, 2023, and it will be amazing because we are collaborating with some of Memphis' top fashion heavy hitters. I can't wait because we will bring some of the hottest and latest fall fashions to the city; you don't want to miss this one! Prepare to be the talk of the town while Looking & Living the LAVISH Lifestyle!!!!!!

Special Thanks to Rondell Johnson Jr., Marietta Holt, Bettye Sykes, Verlatris Benton, Sherrye Smith, Regina Williams, Carmen Hicks, Tiffany & Justin Johnson, Ronald Thornton, Eric Turner and My Customers/Clients.