What started from selling simple handmade jewelry from a table at an weekend outdoor market has now become a beautiful traveling boutique, in addition to two brick & mortar storefronts, as well as an online store.
The name Gypsy Chic was playfully conceived by its founders, when they observed themselves seemingly on an endless trek up and down the west coast of the United States traveling from one festival to another selling stylish, affordable clothing and accessories.
Since then, Gypsy Chic has not only grown in size, but it has also matured as an organization. One example of this is the campaign, GCB Love, which is focused on promoting body positivity and self-love primarily directed toward (but not limited to) women.
In 2010 Gypsy Chic’s sister store, Zahara, offered women’s footwear while encouraging body positivity with a slogan of “Walk Strong.” Current times being as they are, it seemed all too appropriate to revive the Zahara name, and reintegrate its principles.
Zahara stems from founder Jamie Jensen’s connection with the Sahara desert which she fell in love with as she served in the Peace Corps for three years in Mali, West Africa.
The name Zahara also has Swahili origins, meaning “to shine, or flower.” [nameberry.com], and as the name suggests, it is now felt that the time is right for Gypsy Chicto blossom into Zahara.
What is certain, is that all the things one may have come to love at Gypsy Chic will still be there. With style, a smile, and affordable prices, Zahara will uphold the standards that make your time shopping with us a special escapade you’ll want to experience over and over again!
Q & A
Why did you change the Gypsy Chic name?
1.) The company felt that the name Zahara (meaning “to shine, or flower”) is a more accurate representation of what the business stands for.
2.) The company felt that Zahara (meaning, “to shine, or flower,”) conveyed the sort of meaning that is consistent with message of beauty and body-positivity that this business feels strongly about (as in our GCB Love campaign).
3.) The owner (Jamie) has always had a connection with the Sahara desert, because of her three years with the Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa. As the business evolved, it felt like it was naturally the right time to pay homage to this important part of her life, thus heartfully achieved through the name Zahara.
4.) The company became aware that the word “gypsy" was offensive to some people, and determined that Zahara was a better representation of what the business stands for.