Kimberly Lewis

Kimberly Lewis, founder of Emerson Grace boutique in Nashville’s 12 South district, invites us inside her thoughtfully curated store and chats about taking leaps of faith, the art of buying for real women, and what makes a perfect day in Music City.

Tell us a bit about yourself and Emerson Grace! How did the store come to be?

I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Southern California as a teen.  I’ve been in the retail and wholesale industry since I was able to work.  I love fashion, good style, good people, travel, and the social aspect of dining out. I moved to Nashville, with my daughter when I married my husband  in 2014. Emerson Grace came to be because my husband was opening a restaurant in a new multi-use building in the 12th South neighborhood, and there was a corner space available. It was his idea to open a women’s clothing store!

What has been the proudest moment for you in your career?

There are so many.  What comes to mind is that all of my success has come from taking risks.  I’m proud of myself for taking leaps of faith and seeing growth within myself and my businesses because of it.  Ironically, my daughter graduates from college this year and is looking to move to NYC to work in fashion in wholesale or buying. It’s a full circle moment for me.

How would you describe your store to someone who has never shopped with you before? 

Elevated casual with a juxtaposition of masculine and feminine. At the core, it’s a curated assortment for the fashion forward woman.  A mix of stylish dresses, blouses, good denim, footwear, and accessories topped off with fine jewelry.

Do you have an aesthetic you like to keep in mind as you buy brands and styles for Emerson Grace?

When I’m buying, I think to myself, who’s wearing that?" I then visualize our clients and real women. This aids in the decision making process amongst the contemporary lifestyle of the store and our customers.  We love discovering emerging designers and local talent, while continuing to foster the partnerships with our long term brands. 

Who are the women that inspire you? 

The women who came before me, my beautiful mother, women in business, my dearest and talented friends, and my daughter…I love seeing the world through her eyes.

To someone visiting Nashville for the first time, what does your perfect day in the city look like?

There is so much to see and do in Music City. I try to suggest the less obvious options; National Museum of African American Music, Frist Museum, Radnor Lake, Cheekwood Gardens, and a day of strolling, shopping, and eating, in our 12th Ave South neighborhood.

If you were a color, what color would you be and why?

Pink. It’s optimistic, subtle, bold, soft, and feminine.  It’s pretty in every shade and is flattering on most women. It also plays well with others…