Linda Jumah celebrated the official launch of her stylish boutique, Luxe Newark, located at 83 Halsey Street last week.
Fashion lovers, friends, family, and supporters dressed to impress to show their appreciation towards the Ghanaian, New Jersey-based boutique owner’s celebratory bash. Guests posed with Linda on the red carpet as music played and food was served.
Linda, a Rutgers University graduate, created Luxe Newark to supplement the stylish needs of contemporary, smart and sophisticated women in the Halsey Street Village region of downtown Newark, New Jersey. In a press release, Linda stated,
“Newark is a great city with a lot of wonderful people doing amazing things. I choose Newark because there was no place like Luxe in the downtown area, that allows women to purchase high-quality, yet affordable pieces without having to travel outside of the city.”
As guests stepped into Luxe Newark, they were treated with a yummy gift bag, which included stationary goods from the store as well as goodies from the event’s sponsor. The all-white sophisticated décor of Luxe matches the upbeat personality of the boutique owner, who promises to provide high-quality apparel and accessories for the woman on the go, regardless of her shape and style.
One endearing moment at the launch was when her proud mother, sister and brothers posed with Jumah on the red carpet. Guests applauded Jumah’s successful accomplishment as she posed for photo after photo with her proud family.
During our interview with Jumah, who was dressed in a black and white Boxing Kitten Spring/Summer 2011 cocktail cut-out dress, she revealed that she’s a buyer and she’s proud of the hype surrounding African fashion and her boutique. She also endorsed her business’ promotional 10% off one item offer, and she also hinted about a future launch in Ghana.
F2FA: What are the future plans for Luxe Newark?
Linda Jumah: We’re currently looking to a location in Ghana. We just want to make sure Luxe does well in Newark before we look to Ghana.
F2FA: What’s the promotional item that Luxe Newark has offered to its customers?
Linda Jumah: We just opened a month ago. We have a promotional 10% card that’s (valid) for one item.
F2FA: Your business is called Luxe Newark. Why did you select this name?
Linda Jumah: Luxe is short for luxury. I really wanted the name to reflect a really upscale, luxurious boutique that people do not often expect in Newark.
F2FA: Location is essential to your business. How did you decide on 83 Halsey Street?
Linda Jumah: I’m originally from Newark. I’ve been here my entire life. My parents are from Ghana then they came to Newark. I picked this location because it’s moving and it’s going to the next level.
F2FA: What’s the most rewarding experience since becoming a boutique owner?
Linda Jumah: I really had the opportunity to meet a lot of great people who have done great things.
F2FA: Have you had any high-profile clients yet?
Linda Jumah: I want everyone to support the business. I feel like all of my clients are high-profile.
F2FA: As a African-American boutique owner, do you feel it’s necessary to support the African fashion movement?
Linda Jumah: Yes, and that’s why I wore Boxing Kitten today to the launch. Boxing Kitten is one of the popular designers that designed looks for Fergie and Beyonce. She (Maya Lake, Boxing Kitten founder) is local in New York and New Jersey, which is very important to me. Being an African-American, it’s very important to let people know you’re proud of where you come from and not afraid of it. You’ll have to be proud of it. Secondly, African material is so in. My girl friend wore a pair of African fabric wedges from Aldo to today, and so the designer’s are going that way but we’re ahead of it.
The Face2Face Africa fashion team salutes young business entrepreneurs, like Linda Jumah, who use their educational and professional backgrounds to enhance the needs of their community. Linda recognized the need to provide accessible style to the contemporary woman at affordable prices, and she in turn launched Luxe Newark.
Stay tuned for all the latest on Luxe Newark through their social media platforms:
http://www.facebook.com/Luxenewark
http://www.Twitter.com/Luxenewark
Photos: Chioma C. Iwuagwu for Face2Face Africa
