by Melanie Davis
photo by Marie Freeman

"You have to be what you were meant to be." Ginger Dessaint, owner of Lucretia's in Blowing Rock, knows this. After working in the banking industry for nine years, she wanted something different.

"I wasn't in the market specifically for a children's apparel boutique, it just happened that way." Ginger wanted to go in business for herself and came across the Lollipop for sale. The Lollipop was a children's boutique already, which Ginger initially passed over. "I came back to it a year later and purchased it. I deleted some lines (designer clothing), kept some, added new lines, and made it my own."

Unable to keep the Lollipop, Ginger wanted a name that is as unique and sophisticated as the boutique itself. Lucretia's was born. A family tradition, Lucretia is her mother's, sister's and daughter's first name. After nearly five years in business, the boutique is now one of Ginger's children. She laughs, "I tell my employees that they are babysitting, to treat the store the same as they would my child."

Her favorite aspect? The buying. "I do love going to market and seeing all the refreshing seasonal lines as well as new lines. I would have to say I want the best if I can get it. I seek out items that are fun, unique and well-made. Because Lucretia's is not an outlet store or a department store I carry lines you won't find in them."

Ginger's taste is evident in the incredible colors of the apparel lines carried in the boutique. One line in particular, Lilly Pulitzer, a well-known name that has been around for years, shows Ginger's style. This particular label is fun and vibrant, very popular in Florida and cities along the coast. A native of Miami, Ginger knew the Lilly brand needed to be in the High Country. When she first began carrying the Lilly line, she stocked both child and adult sizes. However, this year she has cut down to size 6X and smaller. "Blowing Rock is a resort town, and it is important to know your clientele."

Lucretia's is a self-proclaimed "grandmother's store" of high end clothing, furniture and gifts. For traveling grandparents looking for a special gift to take home, Ginger has exactly what they need.

The gift market which she and her husband, Lou, attend annually, is a particular favorite. "We scour the market for days to find those special items - new, unique and well-made gifts."

She does not cater only to those traveling through the area, though. She also offers a gift registry for her local patrons. "A repeat customer is a compliment to a business owner."

"I owe a lot of my positive insights to my husband Lou. He is quick to tell me if he feels something might not fit the store," Ginger shares the credit for the selection in Lucretia's.

"Always trying to be the best is going to last a lot longer than just being OK,"words Ginger lives by, both in her business and personal life.