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Gasparilla Seamstress's Closet Grows

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By MICHAEL H. SAMUELS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 31, 2007

TAMPA - Karen Shuey isn't a krewe member, but she knows all about Gasparilla. Especially costumes.

For the past 10 years, Shuey has made Gasparilla costumes for krewe members. She's the regular seamstress for 10 krewes and the sole one for three of them.

She got so busy that she had to move her little business out of her house and open up Karen's Krewe Closet, 4011 Henderson Blvd. Shuey said she makes 200 to 250 costumes a year for krewe members.

'Because I've been doing this for the past 10 years, I've got regular clientele that knows they have to get to me early in the year,' she said. 'I'm sewing throughout the year. A lot of times in the summer, I make wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses.'

She also makes costumes for local renaissance festivals. During the busy time of the year, she gets help from her mother and a friend.

The store also offers accessories such as trims, fabrics, feathers, pins and jewelry. The average costume costs $150 to $350, she said.

'I've got some guys still wearing their original costumes I made 10 years ago,' she said. 'Those are the ones I'm proud of. That means they're made well.'

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday from 9 a.m. until Shuey decides to leave.

For information, call (813) 286-3071.

Smoothies On Sale At Hyde Park Village

When Wasserman Realty took over Hyde Park Village, owner David Wasserman promised ice cream shops, smoothie cafes and many other businesses at the outdoor mall.

One of them, JJ Smoothy, has opened at 704 S. Village Drive, next to Lifestyles Family Fitness. The chain of six Tampa Bay area smoothie cafes is owned by Joe Kozlar, also known as 'JJ.'

Five cafes are near Lifestyles gyms and the sixth is inside a Gold's Gym, Kozlar said.

'We are an alternative to fast food and a source of healthy energy,' Kozlar said.

The business features fruit smoothies, salads, wraps and a full juice bar.

'Everything we do is made to order fresh,' Kozlar said. 'We are promoting a healthier lifestyle.'

The store also sells sports supplements and energy drinks.

'We are not a major chain, but we are force to be reckoned with,' he said. 'We do what people want us to do.'

The cafe is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

For information, call (813) 251-4086.

Florist Blossoms In Furniture Store

There's another interesting business pairing in South Tampa.

Apple Blossoms, a silk flower and custom floral design business run by Scott Darhower, has opened in 500 square feet in the back of Davani's Furniture, 3642 W. Kennedy Blvd.

Darhower, originally from Carlisle, Pa., opened the shop in September after working for floral businesses for 25 years. The shop focuses on silk flowers and holiday accessories as well as interior design and flowers for weddings and special events.

'Now I'm able to do what I want to do,' Darhower said. 'I am very efficient. The efficiency of the floral industry is what drove me to own my own business.'

Darhower said the two businesses have mixed well, creating a warm atmosphere and a one-stop shop.

Apple Blossoms is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.

For information, call (813) 985-6409.

Opening a new business? Expanding or relocating? Contact reporter Michael H. Samuels at msamuels@tampatrib.com or (813) 835-2109.

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