HMS Interview: Sharon Sparrow, Sparrow @ Carl Meyers Co-Op
Classic, Seriously Stylish, Creative, Business Savvy and One Hautemomma!
Sparrow
Carl Meyers Co-Op
Tues – Sat 10 – 5pm
109 Walton Ave
Lexington, KY 40508
859.309.9889
www.sparrowforwomen.com
Meet Sharon Sparrow! One seriously fashionable hautemomma! Sparrow at Carl Meyers Co-Op is a new concept on an old tradition dating back to 1932. The Meyers name always meant quality and consummate personal service. She can attest having been a loyal and enthusiastic customer since her days at the old Henry Clay High School. Carl and Sharon were classmates and Carl’s mother Sydelle Meyers, was the Lexington fashion icon of her generation. She bought the sportswear and haute couture collections in their family owned store. Money would burn a hole in Sharon’s pocket each payday until she could beeline it over to the store to spend it all on the latest arrivals.
When Carl opened his store on Walton Avenue Sharon was living in Louisville, but she always returned home to Lexington to buy her outerwear and special occasion clothes. Carl always carried the very finest shear lings and cashmere coats, as well as the new up and coming fashion designers from New York. His Kenth Andersson trunk shows were always a favorite of hers. When he closed the Romany Road store Sharon was heart broken and begged him to help her establish a store. Originally it was to be in Louisville, but good fortune brought Crit Rawlings, Carl and Sharon together in this exciting new venture.
Carl provides custom tailored shirts and suites for men and women, Crit Rawlings designs and sells the Crittenden brand for gentlemen along with his son in law, Jason Becker, and Sharon provides the ladies fashions and accessories under the Sparrow name. The Co-Op is truly a specialty store like no other. They have welcomed a steady crowd of loyal, local customers as well as a great number of new customers from around the country.
Take a moment to read our interview with Sharon and find out more about this enthusiastic and stylish entrepreneur!________________________________
Favorite vacation spot
Paris, France
Favorite Hotel
Little Nell, Aspen, Co.
Favorite Restaurant
Trois Marche, Versailles and Dudley’s in Lexington
Favorite cocktail
Anything from Brown-Forman
Favorite gift to give
Anything from the fabulous stores at Greentree Close
Favorite Designer
Lee Anderson, NY. A Park Avenue couture boutique where the clothes look like Audrey Hepburn would have worn them. Just stunning!
Style icon
Didier Ludot, Paris. He has two stores: one is vintage and the other is a collection of his own designs based upon the little black dress.
What’s in you beauty bag?
I use Chanel products and Neutrogena soap. They just work well and they are easy to apply. I like reliable and easy products because I am always running short on time in the morning.
How do you define style?
Style to me is a natural sense of feeling comfortable and gratified with the things that surround you. Its peace, comfort and wonder all rolled into one.
Top of style wish list
That the HMS card program will be a great success because it is a great concept.
Favorite mantra
Saw it-Want it-Bought it!
What do you love most about what you do?
I love to listen to customers tell us about their busy agenda’s and what special pieces they are looking for to meet a need. We all value people who have product knowledge, that keep up with fashion trends and can advise us on the best purchase to complete a look. Women shop in stores where they can buy a unique outfit or accessory that they can’t find elsewhere. So many people have come into the store to reminisce about a favorite piece they bought at Meyers. We enjoy these special moments and we hope to continue in that tradition.
Advice for women entrepreneurs
Find a great mentor like I have in the industry and ask a lot of questions. There is no substitute for the voice of experience from someone who has been successful.
