Nicole Leffler’s lived in Sarasota three times.
During each stint, she always grew restless to leave.
She’s an adventure seeker, and her itch to explore has always outweighed her desire to settle down.
“The third time’s the charm though,” said Leffler, who returned to Sarasota after traveling the world and spending some time in the Midwest where she was born.
“I grew up coming (to Sarasota) with family and moved here right after college for a little while,” she said. “You never really appreciate what you’re missing until you leave.”
Leffler has no plans to leave Sarasota again. And she’s applying the lesson she’s learned through her travels toward educating the community about natural and holistic practices at her store, Wild Ginger Apothecary.
Photo by Nick Adams
Leffler opened her boutique on Superior Avenue in the Gulf Gate community late last year. Inside she sells eco-friendly, holistic and healthy alternatives to everyday products like deodorant, toothpaste and even perfume.
Like tooth powder. In its container, it looks like dirt. But it cleans your mouth without the harsh chemicals found in regular toothpaste. Wild Ginger sells deodorant made of shea butter and baking soda. Or perfume made of essential oils.
Or how about a a bag of natural herbs that you can slide into your pillowcase, which helps promote a full night of restful sleep?
“Some people drive here from an hour or two away to find these products,” Leffler said.
Wild Ginger sells natural skin care and body care lines at “approachable prices.”
Translation: this isn’t Whole Foods. At Wild Ginger, Leffler hosts events in her store to educate people about the products she sells.
“Everyone knows someone who uses products like these,” Leffler said. “The word of mouth marketing for the store has been incredible.”
Photo by Nick Adams
Business is good enough so far that Leffler is already expanding. She recently leased two more retail storefronts next to her store. So instead of just offering a store, Leffler will offer a lifestyle community with yoga, pilates and general health classes. The studio, called Wild Ginger Lifestyle, opens May 1.
A third space will offer more intimate classroom settings, she said.
The Gulf Gate Village isn’t always where residents and tourists think of to shop. The neighborhood is probably best known for its eclectic group of reasonably priced restaurants and nightlife, but a handful of small, locally owned retail outfits also have found their niche among the diverse offerings there.
“There are a lot of smart local businesses here,” Leffler said. “And unlike other parts of Sarasota, Gulf Gate isn’t set in its ways. It’s always changing. It seemed like a good fit for me.”
Photo by Nick Adams
Leffler is channeling her efforts to help build the business community she’s now apart of. She’s created a “First Friday” event for Gulf Gate. (Click here to read more about it.)
“I started staying open late one day a month sort of as an appreciation for my customers,” Leffler said. “Now a few others are catching on. I really hope it grows.”
IF YOU GO: 6557 Superior Avenue. 312-5630
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