Bright Businesses: Florida Jean Company

ST. PETE BEACH- The year 2006 was busy for Tammy Collier-- she moved to Florida, met her husband-to-be Wayne and they started an online jeans business. The couple wanted to be able to run a business on their own. They wanted to sell a quality product that had universal appeal.

“We wanted something convenient to ship, store and purchase… We just basically wanted to do something everybody wears from babies to grandparents,” Tammy Collier said.

Last fall when the Florida Jean Company outgrew the Collier’s spare bedroom they needed a brick and mortar store.  They started a year ago in a small Corey Avenue location and they grew quickly this summer into their large corner storefront selling “more than just jeans.”

“We carry everything from underwear, boxers, shorts, loungewear, dresses, jewelry and shoes…opening the store let us expand our inventory,” Collier said.

The Florida Jean Company specializes in Lucky Brand clothing, which make up about 95 percent of its inventory. Lucky Brand jeans fit all shapes and figures.

“They’re super soft, super well made, and don’t shrink,” Collier said.

The Florida Jean Company offers other product lines. Want a pair of hand-stitched jeans? The store sells jeans and other apparel by True Religion.

Looking for a pair of very, comfortable flip-flops? Florida Jean Company offers Brazilian made Havaianas. The store sells handbags and hand-tooled belts, as well.

The Florida Jean Company owners have felt very welcome on St. Pete Beach. The Colliers like offering quality products to residents and visitors to the beach. Tammy Collier said she hopes to transition from working another job to strictly running the store. In the future the Colliers hope to open another store.

"We work great together. (Owning the business) is something we are both passionate about," Tammy Collier said.

Regular Store Hours:

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The store is open longer for special Corey Avenue events.

The store, at 401 Corey Avenue, is located at the intersection of Corey Avenue and Blind Pass Road. Phone (727) 365-8440.

Coming Friday, Sept. 30:

Come see the variety of styles Florida Jean Company offers and help a local animal rescue on Sept. 30 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. The store is hosting a fashion show featuring its new Lucky Brand and True Religion clothing. There will be special discounts, door prizes, wine tasting, appetizers, and live music. The store is collecting donations for Pet Pal Animal Shelter. The no-kill animal shelter in St. Petersburg has a wish list of needs.

In addition to the fashion show the Corey Area Business Association will be having their Sunset Celebration with street vendors and shops staying open late. So come to the fashion show and spend the evening on Corey Avenue.