Category All Art Classes Classical Music Concerts DANCE Etc Exhibits Families Farmers Markets Film Happenings Holiday Holiday Lectures Music (non-classical) Theater

Submit events

PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

EXOTIC FARE. Rondi Boskovich, founder of Proctor District women’s boutique Jasminka, celebrates the store’s 25th anniversary this year with a four-day event May 15-18.

Proctor shop celebrates 25th birthday

By Clare Jensen

When Rondi Boskovich moved to the Tacoma area 35 years ago, she had no idea that she would one day be a fixture for eclectic shoppers in one of the city’s most coveted business districts.

Boskovich opened fashion boutique Jasminka in the North End’s Proctor District a quarter of a century ago, and in that time it has become a go-to place for ethnic, unusual clothing for local women.

“I do carry an unusual assortment of inventory – I can’t compete with the mall, so I have to be specialized,” she said.

Jaskminka’s focus is on natural fibers, textured textiles, and hand-made and hand-dyed apparel with an exotic twist.

Originally, the store emphasized ethnic clothing and folk art, but Boskovich said now the focus is more on natural fibers, comfort and color for women of all sizes.

Boskovich said she has many customers who have been shopping at Jasminka since the beginning, and in some ways, she feels they have aged and evolved together, so the inventory is often catered to women close to her own age.

But in addition to clothing, Jasminka has a wide assortment of unique accessories that could fit tastes of any age.

“Jasminka has Tacoma’s largest selection of jewelry and high-quality wraps and scarves,” she said. Jasminka is also known for its “fun” sock collection.

Boskovich said part of what has kept her work fresh and interesting over the last two and a half decades is the fact that she is constantly getting in new items.

“I rarely re-order anything,” she said.

The variety keeps both Boskovich, and her customers, entertained.

 To celebrate the 25th birthday of the store, Boskovich is hosting a four-day event May 15-18 at Jasminka complete with cake, drawings and of course, shopping.

She has also designed a special commemorative T-shirt with Jasminka’s logo made from organic cotton.

Because of Boskovich’s dedication to her trade and sentimental connection to Jasminka, it won’t be around for a 50th birthday party; when she finally retires, Jasminka will retire with her.

“Someday I’ll just have a big blowout sale,” she said. “It’s just too personal” to pass on to another owner.

Until then, shoppers new and old alike can visit Jasminka seven days a week to keep up on the always changing inventory and create unique fashions for themselves.

Jasminka is located at 3820 N. 26th St. For more info call (253) 752-8700.

Story Tools