Happiness can come in many forms. It can be a fantastic meal, a new car, a night out with friends or, for some, a beautiful piece of clothing. That is what Judee Gartland, owner of La Porte’s local boutique Judee’s, provides for the town- a unique women’s and specialty store. Her goal is to bring the latest New York fashion to the Midwest and help women maintain a positive and personal style.
Born in Springfield, Mo.,she later moved to Arizona where she attended Arcadia and later Wickenburg High School. She then went to the University of Arizona, where she majored in interior design. After living in Peru, Ind. she and her husband made the move to La Porte in 1986.
“Initially, coming from Peru, I thought it was wonderful because La Porte was double the size. It was so exciting. I love that it is close to Chicago and the lakes,” she said.
Although she did not open her specialty shop immediately, Gartland was already in the business of making women feel beautiful. Her break into the business started with the color industry.
“I loved the color business right when it was big in the eighties, and my mother-in-law had given me a gift for Christmas to have my colors done and to see what colors looked best on me," she said. "It actually changed my life, and I wanted to do it for other people. I went to California and I studied so hard in an extensive program. When I came back, I started a business in my home of color charting people and selling them color-specific clothes.”
Her motivation for starting such a business was simple.
“I wanted to help people feel great,” she said.
Gartland, always armed with a smile and energy, had difficulties balancing a store in the home. Necklaces would be sprawled on the table, clothes would be draped from the chandelier and customers would still be in the house when her three children would arrive home from school.
Therefore, Gartland made the bold decision to open her own store.
The journey was not always easy, yet Gartland used her passion for fashion and wild creativity to foster a customer-centered shop that has become a staple in the county. She is an example to all small business owners regarding growth and optimism.
“It’s just an amazing journey. It started out in 400 square feet, and it was as big as someone’s walk-in closet,” Gartland said. “ I just kept reinvesting any money that we made and building the inventory, and about every two years we expanded to a bigger place.”
Gartland was even presented the Athena Award at the La Porte Chamber of Commerce Economic Advancement Foundation’s annual meeting. While Judee’s is a successful local business, the mentality behind it all is unique and personal.
“We want to people to come in and feel amazing,” she said. “When customers come in and they have their head down and think negatively, we get them to leave with their whole posture changed. I think they feel better, they feel amazing, and they didn’t know they can look so pretty. That’s the joy of it, seeing someone physically change because of how you helped them.”
Gartland does not prefer to stay behind the scenes. She is in her element when putting together outfits and interacting with her customers. Her demeanor radiates warmth, and she is always styled effortlessly. Judee’s is oasis among the world of mass-produced, rushed malls.
“I want the customer to come and really have an experience,” she said. “I want them to have coffee and tea, sit, relax and enjoy. We want to bring them everything- their shoes and jewelry.”
Gartland most enjoys dressing up, and that is where the store has found its niche. The special occasion section has grown from a tiny rack to a main player. She has brought a new way of dressing and a new attitude to La Porte. Along the way, she has given back to the community.
“We have been able to help with a lot of social events,” Garland said. “We enjoy giving gowns and letting them be worn on stage for events like Hoosier Star and the symphony.”
Beyond running her store, Gartland enjoys going to the beach, playing golf and gardening.
Judee’s is located at 1104 Indiana Avenue and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store specializes in evening wear and also sells sportswear, accessories and casual wear. Gartland, along with her staff, can help create put-together looks and help men pick out gifts for that special someone.
Click here to visit Judee's website for more information!