Business & Tech

New Lutz Boutique Sells All 'Cute Stuff'

E.L.L.A. Boutique, which is a short drive from New Tampa, is a family business located inside Ace Hardware.

As owners of E.L.L.A. Boutique in Lutz, sisters-in-law Tina and Andrea Andrews don’t exactly have stressful, back-breaking careers.

The job description: “It’s a bunch of girls hanging out with cute stuff” says Tina of the newly opened store.

E.L.L.A. Boutique sells a wide variety gifts for women and babies. It is very much a family business.

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The boutique is located within the same space as Ace Hardware, which Tina and Andrea’s husbands, brothers Scott and Todd Andrews, respectively, opened in January. Why should the men should have all the entrepreneurial fun?

“We didn’t think it was fair we did not have a store of our own,” Andrea said, explaining the genesis for the shop.

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E.L.L.A. Boutique is named for the couples’ children: Todd and Andrea’s daughters, Elaina and Lilyanna, and Scott and Tina’s sons, Luke and Alex. The boutique features what the girls call an “eclectic blend of unique gifts.” Inventory includes jewelry by John Medeiros and Elly Preston, handbags, baby bows handmade by Andrea, baby shower items, candles and holiday gifts.

“There’s nothing in this store you can go into Macy’s and buy,” Tina said.

The couples are local. Scott and Todd own Sunshine Pool Service and Supply, which has serviced the Bay Area for 35 years. “We are Lutz residents and we keep our money in Lutz,” Tina said of the boutique. “We hired people from Lutz.”

The storefront at 18469 U.S. Highway 41 is a study in contrasts. Going straight and to the left brings you to hammers and tools and items that typically appeal to men. To the far right? Decidedly more gentle goods like scented soaps and baby booties.

The Andrews women say men should not be intimidated to walk into E.L.L.A. after picking up those plungers and nails. The boutique even maintains a “wish list” for women so family members can pick something their loved ones really want.

What’s the best part about running your own business?

“That women are so happy to be here,” Andrea said.

More Information

Address: 18469 U.S. Highway 41 North, Lutz

Website: http://www.ellaboutiquelutz.com/

Social Media: Facebook page

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