Meet Natalie Zink: The Wonder Behind Wild Gardenia Boutique
Natalie beams with energy as I spot her crossing the street with balloons in hand, on her way into The Seedling Collective on Royal Street. As I step inside, I see her vision has come to life through the racks of colorful, bespoke skirts, dresses, jackets – and the statement pieces, oh the statement pieces. Earrings, brooches, bracelets, berets…beaded bags sewn by hand that you must see for yourself.
She launched Wild Gardenia over a year ago. Previously an international trade attorney, she felt something was missing. She had often joked with friends that when she retired she wanted to open a boutique. The pandemic fast-tracked that vision into reality. More time spent at home meant more time thinking about what she wanted to do next. When her job began discussing a return to office policy, she knew she wouldn’t be doing the daily trek back into D.C. She also craved autonomy: “If something is going to go right…or wrong, I want to be the one making the decisions.”
And now she is. Wild Gardenia’s philosophy is simple: Style has no size limit, and every woman deserves to feel her best, no matter her silhouette. Like many during the pandemic, Natalie’s entire lifestyle changed and she had gained weight. She was a size 14, which was in between straight and curvy, and found herself getting sized out of stores she shopped at. “I wasn’t in the plus-size range, and I didn’t feel I had a body that shouldn’t be clothed.”
She now works with brands that had only carried straight sizes (0-14 for women) to get a pattern that includes extended sizes. Having missed the creative aspect of getting dressed and going out, it’s now core to her daily work and she credits an “iron stomach” for helping her sift through the daily hurdles that come with being an entrepreneur.
When researching pop-up locations, the Seedling Collective appeared online. “I heard it was very competitive and within thirty seconds of a spot opening, it gets snatched up!” She quickly sent an email, and the stars aligned – The Wild Gardenia Boutique will be at the Seedling Collective until the end of September.
Here’s a little bit more about Natalie, a local entrepreneur digging her heels in and making fashion inclusive for more women.
Who inspires you?
Dani Sauter, Blonde in the District. I like her style, her joy of living reflected through fashion. With a sizing-inclusive mission, I instantly connected with her.
Why the name “Wild Gardenia Boutique”?
I have a tattoo on my left arm of a gardenia in different stages of bloom: past full bloom, full bloom and budging. Different things are in bloom at different times.
Your Insta handle?
Share a few of the designers you carry:
Arianne Elmy, The Mighty Co. and Jade by Jane
When did your love of fashion begin?
I’ve always loved clothing. I went to private school and cherished the “free dress days,” because we were told what to wear, and makeup and nail polish were never allowed. I see clothing as a form of self expression; you can showcase your personality in any type of fashion.
Imagine this: your suitcase is lost in transit! What are the three items you grab immediately to make it through the next 24 hours?
Wet wipes, you can use them for anything – to remove makeup or clean a surface, a good pair of tennis shoes so I can be on-the-go and accomplish things, and a really good tote because I accumulate things!
Boots or running shoes? Heels or flats?
Right now, boots, an ankle boot with a western style. Go-to: a platform heel, it has the stability of a flat, with the height of a heel.
What’s your jewelry style?
I’m big into statement pieces, and especially, statement earrings. For the fall, a statement brooch.
An outfit that can go from day to night?
A really pretty velvet dress (they’re coming!). During the day, wear it with tights and ankle boots, but at night, add a fun jacket as it gets colder, and pair it with heels – and statement earrings, of course.
Fall trend you love, fall trend you hate?
I dislike trends in general. Wear what feels good to you.
What you love most about Alexandria:
The community, people are really friendly, they always want to go to different events and interact with other business owners, it’s been very welcoming.
Come visit Wild Gardenia Boutique and add a statement piece to your fall look. It’s time to try something new and mix it up a bit. You have enough basics, it’s time to be bold!
Wild Gardenia Boutique at Seedling Collective
121 South Royal Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314
Hours: Tues - Sat: 10 am - 6 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm; Closed on Mondays
By appointment: contactus@wildgardeniaboutique.com
