“When the Ordinary Just Won’t Do:” Absolutely Abigail’s

When you walk over the threshold of Absolutely Abigail’s, you enter a charmed world. The antithesis of homogenized department store fare, this diverse, cosmopolitan boutique is fashion for the treasure seeker, packed wall to wall with colors, styles, and textures imported from artisans worldwide. The life-size poster of Marlene Deitrich on the wall watches over you like a benevolent fairy godmother as you browse through vibrant swaths of delicately draped cloth, curious shoes, and glittering handmade jewelry. If Marlene could speak, she would say you are in good hands: the staff at Absolutely Abigail’s are experts in sophisticated detail, effortless style, and personal flair.

“At Absolutely Abigail’s, there is something to bring out the beauty in everyone,” says Donna Phillips, founder and proprietress. Phillips started the shop nine years ago and has come to believe creating the world of Absolutely Abigail’s was her destiny.

  “We’ve dressed artists, attorneys, actresses, and physicians. It’s amazing to see our customers find their own styles and blossom. It gives them courage, and when they’re complimented for the first time, they come back for more. They will say ‘this is not my comfort zone!’ at first, but one or two outfits later, they’re back and telling their friends about us.”

“I knew from the start that I needed to fill a void in the market: there was no unstructured, free-flowing, art driven clothing for women who wanted to express themselves and didn’t necessarily fit into perfect model sizes. When I was growing up, I would rather have squeezed myself into a paper bag than a tailored suit!” she says. “I focus on livability, elegance, and eclectic personal style. When someone comes in, we pull from different designers, textures, and colors. We do a lot of layering—nothing is matchy-matchy. Each customer gets lots of individual attention so that we can find the best look for their personality and lifestyle. We do a lot of dressy casual, but we also have silks and velvets next to the hand-painted denim. It’s like a montage, all about the mix. We also do a lot of special events and work for the film industry.”

“With all the movie work going on in Shreveport, you never know when an actress, one of their assistants, or someone from the wardrobe department will walk through the door. They all say how they love the different textures and colors, our global edge, and our ethnic diversity. Not only has our merchandise been worn in several movies but we have kept in contact with many of our movie industry customers and continue to help them with their personal shopping. We are the first boutique they come to when they return to Shreveport.”

“We’re working hard on getting all of our merchandise onto our website so that everyone will have access no matter where they are. It’s not the same as being here, but it gives our out of town customers access,” she says. Word of mouth has brought customers and designers to Absolutely Abigail’s from all over the world. “There is definitely a presence here. People ride by, get a feeling, and circle back to come in and explore.”

“I wish I could say I had a business plan, a marketing degree, and a background in apparel, but I don’t,” says Phillips. “I’ve been blessed with a servant’s heart to help women evolve their own unique style. Everything I’ve ever accomplished in my life comes together in my shop. It’s a true extension of who I am.”

There is even an Absolutely Abigail’s graffiti wall. Customers write about how they have driven long distances to visit the shop, how the staff made their wedding, trip, or special event memorable, and some write how this shop has changed their lives. “It’s really amazing to get that kind of feedback, so validating and encouraging to hear their kind words. Customers say we bless them when indeed I am the one being blessed,” she says.

“We have fantastic customer service. We have fun and it shows. We don’t fight over the commissions thing—we do it all as a team. I have the best women in the world working for me. We laugh, we cry, we share. We are like a safe hub. It’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the relationships. When women come in town for chemo, we find them comfortable clothes to wear and scarves to wrap their heads when they lose their hair. No one leaves here not looking their very best.”

“It started out as a vision I had in the living room one evening. I believe it was divine intervention—within 30 days I had a pass to go to the World Trade Center, a location completely renovated to our liking, and a business license. Everything was laid out before us as if by magic, and there was no turning back. Since then I’ve had amazing family support along the way, especially from my husband. I feel like every aspect of my life, in some way, prepared me for this. It’s my ministry. I thank God for blessing me with the vision and passion to pursue, the courage to keep smiling when in doubt, and the joy we bring our many customers and friends who grace Absolutely Abigail’s.” ✦

Absolutely Abigail’s
3795 Youree Drive
Shreveport, LA
318.219.0788
absolutelyabigails.com