Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 4-2-19

Features
Boutique Owner Acquires Business And
Is Now – Queen’s Fabric
BY KENYA WOODARD Sentinel Feature Writer
If lightning doesn’t strike twice, Elizabeth Carson Racker doesn’t know it.
For years, the fashion de- signer and boutique owner has operated her own suc- cessful eponymous store, where she’s built a loyal fol- lowing and earned a reputa- tion for creating custom, eye-catching pieces.
Racker now is betting her good name will flourish under Queen’s Fabric, the longtime local purveyor of high quality cloth and tex- tiles.
Established more than 30 years ago, the store is now under Racker’s ownership after buying it from the pre- vious proprietor, Marisu Miranda.
Miranda has been Racker’s mentor for years. So when she decided to relo- cate to New York City, she proposed that Racker take over Queen’s Fabric.
“We talked about it every once in a while, not thinking it would ever come to fruition,” Racker said.
But recently, the two en- gaged in serious talks, and after consulting her family
Elizabeth Carson Racker acquires new business to enhance her boutique – Queen’s Fabric.
and business associates, Racker agreed to take over. “It was a price that was
doable,” she said.
Racker said she faced
some opposition to merging her business with Queen’s Fabric, namely removing her own name from her busi- ness.
“They were like ‘you’re losing yourself’,” she said.
But Racker had a differ- ent perspective: the merger would allow her to better serve her boutique clients be- cause they can now get “top- notch pricing on their garments.” Additionally, she was keeping a Tampa main-
stay in business.
More importantly, it’s an
opportunity to stretch and grow, Racker said.
“It’s the other side of the industry,” she said. “It’s going to broaden my knowl- edge of the textile industry, which is a little overwhelm- ing, but exciting.”
Customers can expect that the quality inventory and service they’ve experi- enced at both stores will con- tinue, Racker said.
And more African prints will be added to the knits, brocades, and chiffons regu- larly in stock, she said.
“It’s going to be more of a fabric boutique,” she said. “We’re going to guide you through what you’re going to create.”
The transition began around Valentine’s Day and was completed about a month later. Racker re- cently hosted an opened house to celebrate her new venture.
And while Miranda is moving away, Racker said she’s offered to help her nav- igate her new venture.
“She’s been in the busi- ness for years,” she said. “She will coach me through this.”
Racker said she’s al- ready making plans for the future, which includes a move to a location larger than her current North Florida Avenue digs.
While this new adventure is “a little scary,” Racker said she leans on the support of her family, friends, and church.
“This is just going to lead me to the next venture,” she said.
National Council Of Negro Women To Give Scholarships
ERMA GRIFFIN ...Scholarship Committee Coordinator
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
The Tampa Metropolitan Section of the National Council of Negro Women is looking for high school sen- iors who are interested in furthering their education by going to college.
The three $1,000 Elita Davis Scholarships will be presented to the winning student during the NCNW annual luncheon on Satur- day, May 4th.
“Those who apply for the scholarships are required to
write a 100 word essay on
“Preparing For Your Fu- ture,” by explaining your needs, accomplishments and goals; present a letter of rec- ommendation from the pas- tor, school counselor, principal or teacher; have a grade point average of at least 2.5; and display or demonstrate a financial need and desire to receive the scholarship,” said Second Vice President and Member- ship Chair, Erma Griffin, who is the Scholarship Coor- dinator.
Please mail information along with a photo to: NCNW, 10034 Cedar Dune Drive, Tampa, FL 33624. Or, for additional information, call (813) 857-8283, or (813) 898-3685.
Information may also be emailed to ms33610@ yahoo.com.
The deadline to get the re- quired information in is Sat- urday, April 20, 2019. Applicants must be accepted to or attending an accredited college or university.
Carlene Smith is Presi- dent of the Tampa Metropol- itan Section of NCNW.
PAGE 2 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019