Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexa Abril.
Hi Alexa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Miami, Florida to Cuban-American parents. My first passion was dance. I began twirling and spinning as soon as I could walk and continued dancing for 20+ years. Dance molded me into the person I am today; I owe a lot of my discipline to the art form. But while ballet, jazz, and hip-hop consumed most of my free time, I also grew up at my father’s businesses surrounded by fashion. Before I knew it, retail and the fashion industry quickly became another passion of mine.
My father founded Group LX back in 1994. At the time it consisted of only Studio LX, a contemporary women’s clothing boutique located in South Miami, Florida. I remember growing up at Studio LX, helping out whenever possible, and watching in awe as customer tried on gorgeous dresses. I dreamed of the day I could run a business like my father.
A few years later and eager to grow the company my father brought on two business partners that quickly became family. When my father passed away in 2011 his partners took over operations and after graduating college I went to work for their newest concept I helped develop, Market.
I started as just an employee of Group LX and now, seven years later, I can finally say I am an owner of Group LX! Living my dream of owning my own business AND doing so while continuing my father’s legacy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I feel very fortunate that I was able to buy a company that I not only have such strong ties to but one that is already so well established in the Miami community. Luckily, my transition from employee to owner has been a smooth one. I am grateful I now get to focus my energy on growing the company. I have big plans for the future of Group LX!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Group LX?
Group LX now consists of three boutique concepts: Studio LX, Blush, and Market. Studio LX is a contemporary women’s clothing boutique where you will find high-end designer pieces specially curated for the Miami client. Studio, as we like to refer to it, oozes luxury. Here you will find brands such as Zimmermann, A.L.C., Cinq A Sept, Love Shack Fancy, Jonathan Simkhai, and many more. Blush is for our younger clientele on a budget. The clothing is vibrant and trendy with brands such as Pistola, We Wore What, Blank NYC, and DayDreamer. On the other hand there’s Market, your one-stop-shop for affordable basics in neutral tones. Picture black, white, nude, and grey racks plus stacks of denim on the tables.
While there’s obviously been a big shift from brick and mortar sales to online sales there’s still a huge audience of customers that prefer a one-on-one styling experience and that will never change. We take pride in offering our customers a true boutique experience where yes, they come in and shop but it’s so much more than that. They receive personalized attention and outfits curated to their personal style, they get to chat, vent, and hangout with our stylists. Our customers quickly become friends and this type of attention is one they can’t get from department stores or online retailers. We feel it’s what keeps them coming back.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Well, I think my most obvious mentor was my father. I learned so much from him both directly and indirectly. Growing up at the stores I was always listening and overhearing. I may not have known what things meant back then but once I fully immersed myself in the company I was able to put a lot puzzle pieces together and remember things my dad once said which was so helpful when starting my fashion career. I owe a lot of my retail knowledge to him.
After my dad’s passing I learned so much from his business partners. They really took me under their wing and didn’t hold back in sharing useful information. I’m eternally grateful for everything they taught me and for the opportunities they’ve given me.
My husband was a crucial component in getting me to where I am now. He not only ignited the fire in me to take my fashion career next level, but he was also there to support and guide me every step of the way as both an attorney and my best friend. Buying Group LX was obviously not an overnight thing. It was months and months of negotiations, contracts, and meetings, all of which he sat in with me, making sure I was well protected at all times. I can’t wait to grow the company and show him what I can do! I can’t thank him enough.
My mom, abuela, and tias were probably THE most excited for me and this new venture of mine. They all helped my father open Studio LX back in 1994, painting, hanging fitting room curtains, sorting through merchandise and they all watched as my father grew the company into a Miami staple. They were so excited when I broke the news to them that I could finally call it mine! They’re so eager to help me with just about anything. I need to come up with a project for them quick LOL!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shoplx.com
- Instagram: @alexa.abril @studiolx @blushboutique @marketmiami
Image Credits
The first headshot credit: Karla Garcia @kgohhsnap
