Jamaican style heats up Cape

Zazzy Fashion House is one of downtown Cape Girardeau's newest boutiques. Owners Nathalee Williams and Clifton Brown are on their way to the altar and have decided to join not only in matrimony, but in business. Though neither of them is new to business, it is the first time they have ventured into the fashion retail industry.

Zazzy certainly stands out because of its urban style offerings, and also because it is one of the few minority-owned businesses on Main Street. And although Nathalee is new to the area, she certainly does not lack the hospitality that is consistent with business owners in Old Town Cape. I received the warmest welcome from her and her children, letting me know this business venture is a family affair.

Buy the River: So what brings you and your family to Cape, and how do you like it?

Nathalee Williams: My fiance had been living here, so I decided to come. Cape is nice. Very different from Jamaica, but nice.

BTR: How does Midwest style differ from Jamaican?

Zazzy Fashion House is at 135 N. Main St. in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Sheila McKinley)

NW: Well, there is a more conservative style. Back home, nothing is conservative. Everything is loud and bright colors.

BTR: How would you describe what you have to offer at Zazzy?

NW: It is urban clothing for every size. We specialize in plus-size urban apparel for men and women. I always have an issue finding clothes I like in my size, so we wanted to sell clothes for that customer. This type of clothing isn't sold here in Cape. You see everything else, but not this style.

BTR: How long have you been open, and have you gotten to know the other business owners on the block?

NW: We opened back in March, so we are still fairly new. I haven't had a chance to meet everyone yet. My fiance and I plan on introducing ourselves to more people. We will be doing more advertising soon and getting ready for the college students to return from break to do outreach to them.

Zazzy Fashion House is at 135 N. Main St. in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Photo by Sheila McKinley)

BTR: Any events coming up you can share with our readers?

NW: Yes, we have a Jamaica Fest on Aug. 13 and 14 at Capaha Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is a family event with food, games, prizes and back-to-school giveaways.

BTR: What a great way to introduce Zazzy to the Cape Girardeau community!

NW: That's exactly what we hope to do!