When Leeann and Shane Taylor moved to Alaska from Atlanta in 1995, they were surprised to find a lack of locally owned quality boutiques easily found in the lower 48. In fact, they found that many people did their ‘serious’ shopping in Seattle, a three-hour flight from Anchorage. Consequently in 2003, they opened About Face, which offered skin care products previously unavailable locally (and especially important due to the cold dry winters). In 2005 they decided to expand into lingerie and loungewear, which was oddly absent in Alaska but is now their principal seller.
The soothing, rejuvenating ambience is enhanced with a music selection including French lounge, Sinatra, classic rock, pop and blues. Echoes of the local surroundings are seen in the use of maple and dark, rustic barn wood as well as sculpted deer head and antlers mounted on the wall. The store receives weekly shipments, has an active Facebook page, a bridal registry and helped organise the largest fashion show ever held in Alaska attended by over 700 people. Customers recognise that they are getting a quality product at a fair price and do not expect ‘sales’. In a city that is under snow and darkness for 6-8 months of the year, About Face offers a refuge for their loyal clientele to wind down and enjoy a little personal indulgence.
1005E Dimond Blvd, Unit 2B, Anchorage AK99515www.aboutfaceak.com
