She’s International relocates to Roanoke City Market
by S. Rotan Hale
Stepping into She’s International Boutique is much like entering a high-end shop on New York’s 5th Avenue. The sounds of jazz greats like Cannonball Adderley and Miles Davis are heard in the background as shop owner Diane Speaks greets you with her warm smile.
Diane’s accommodating presence ensures any would-be customer a personal touch and adds a certain class to the shop’s metropolitan flair.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held May 11 at the store on the Roanoke City Market at which a moderate crowd gathered to get a first hand look at all the upscale boutique has to offer.
The store has successfully operated in Salem for the last 10 years and Diane says she moved to Roanoke because “the businesses that generated traffic in that area started waning as owners aged and had no family interested in filling their shoes. We did have our own clients but once other businesses decided to leave I chose to try downtown (Roanoke).”
Since relocating Diane says, “With Virginia Tech’s recent graduation and considerable traffic from the Taubman Museum contributing to a steady flow, business has been great so far.”
In accordance with her theme: “Luxuries from Europe and Beyond,” the boutique is stocked with unique apparel and accessories obtained from Diane’s travels as a flight attendant. In addition to an array of distinctive outfits the shop offers: jewelry, hats, handbags, jeans (Brazilian Beija Flor, et.al.) and even a line of extremely fashionable (and colorful) dress shoes that “can be washed in the dish washer.”
Also featured are Carol’s Daughter Hair and Beauty Products as well as art from South Africa.
The snazzy assortment of specialty items come from such cities as Los Angeles, New York and as far away as Rome, Brussels, Milan, Paris and other fashion havens.
“Since retiring, I still travel the world shopping for the right things for my clientele,” says Diane who continues to maintain an inventory that is fresh, unique and exciting to her customers who spread the word and keep her brand in demand.
After 33 years flying the friendly skies, Diane retired September 25, 2014 from U.S. Airways–closing one door and opening another that will surely lead to her successful venture as a full-fledged clothier extraordinaire.
She’s International, located at 108 Market St. is open Monday – Saturday 11a – 7p and Sunday 11a – 5p.
