Opening the only locally owned boutique in the UTC Mall

By Justine Griffin for the Herald-Tribune

Jackie Zumba strolled down the center aisle of the Mall at University Town Center one night, taking a break from the ongoing work and construction in her new boutique.

Zumba, a 27-year-old retail entrepreneur in Sarasota, marveled at the expansive — and expensive — storefronts of the many national and international retailers that will open alongside her store next week.

“I look at all these beautiful stores and think, ‘Wow, I’m in the big leagues, now,’ ” she said. “Even though it’s been really stressful, this is such a great opportunity for me.”

Zumba owns Jackie Z Style & Co., the only locally owned boutique opening inside the new mall.

The store also will be the only store that’s not a department store to sell multiple brands.

Making the move from Main Street in downtown Sarasota to the $315 million mall has been anything but easy.

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