Owner finds comfortable fit with A.S.K Clothing

Tami Smith is a blast of Texas sunshine in a sometimes dreary landscape of fashion.

When the commanding redhead walks into a room she’s usually wearing something feathery, sequined or zebra-striped. At Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce business breakfasts, where Smith sometimes sponsors a booth, her unique clothing, accessories and personality are garnering attention – and new customers.

“At the chamber things, I’m known as the ‘Feather Lady,’ ” she joked.

Smith’s A.S.K. Clothing Co., a personalized shopping business, is putting the fun back into shopping for a growing group of customers who’re looking for out-of-the-ordinary women’s fashions (minus the hassle of crowded retail stores).

“She is so fun. She just sort of opens your eyes to new horizons and things that might work for you,” said Linda Dockrey, a 55-year-old Spokane County resident who shopped at Smith’s basement boutique on several occasions.

Since starting the business seven months ago, the 39-year-old has showcased her clothing and accessories at trade shows, private homes and offices, attracting about 200 clients. Smith even has a boutique in the basement of the Liberty Lake home at 24027 Broadway Court she shares with her husband Robert and their 10-year-old son, Austin.

Clients who don’t want to drop by can schedule appointments and Smith will hand-deliver a selection of properly sized clothing for them to try on in their own homes. Smith recently hosted a shopping party for several ladies who wanted to bring a bottle of wine and look through the clothing.

“I’m just flexible – whatever they need me to do I can do, within reason,” Smith said.

Her selection of clothing and accessories ranges from elegant and professional to whimsical and frivolous. Sizes start at extra-small and go to 3X. Prices begin at $18 for an attractive shirt and run up to $298 for designer outfits. Handbags cost from $18 to $59, and jewelry sells for $6 to $69.

Monica Kingsbury, a cosmetic merchandiser who purchased a several summer outfits from A.S.K. Clothing, describes Smith’s assortment of fashions as “kind of with-it but not really out-there.”

Kingsbury, 48, lives in the Cheney area and drove to Liberty Lake to peruse the basement boutique. She fell in love with several outfits, which now garner regular compliments.

“It was fun to find things that were different from anyone else in this area. I really had a lot of fund at her place,” Kingsbury said.

Providing a demographic of a typical customer is tough, Smith said, because they range from women ages 16 to 70-plus to men shopping for their wives.

New customers are found through networking at chamber events and Leads groups. She also keeps in contact with the Spokane Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau and will have booths at two upcoming shows. Recently, Smith promoted her merchandise on the runway at a fashion show and tea, held at Mirabeau Park Hotel to benefit Spokane Valley Community Center.

Smith admits making a couple ordering blunders. When she first moved to the area, she purchased several black pantsuits with pink zebra print trim. They sold well in Texas but went over like regifted fruitcake in the Northwest – a lesson learned.

“It really takes some common sense, some business sense and some people skills,” Smith said.

Dockrey said Smith makes people feel comfortable and goes above and beyond to help clients find clothing that fits their taste. She’ll even steer customers away from a purchase if she feels something doesn’t suit their style.

“She’s not threatening,” Dockrey said. “She makes you feel comfortable and you just have a really good time.”