Valrico boutique is product of tragedy turned to triumph

VALRICO—Tammie Borden has dreamed of opening a clothing store since her high school days in New Orleans.

Along the way she worked in catering, married Cornelius Borden, relocated to Panther Trace after Hurricane Katrina and gave birth to her daughter, Christina, now 2.

Late last year, her older brother died of a heart attack. Not long after, Tammie said, she was laid off.

Her brother, musician Charles Bacot, had always told her to follow her dream.

And so the timing seemed right.

The result is the Velvet Rope, a Bloomingdale boutique that sells cocktail dresses, ball gowns, studded T-shirts and casual wear for the slightly self-indulgent.

The Bordens cut the ribbon on their new store last Thursday in a ceremony attended by about a dozen well-wishers from the Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce.

"Hopefully we can be successful," Cornelius told the group. "I think we can. I think we will. I know we will."

So far, the business is progressing nicely, Tammie said. "The prices are affordable. They are $20 on up to $800. You can come in here and not be overwhelmed by the prices."

Buyers of prom and homecoming dresses also can be confident that the styles are one of a kind.

"You can tell people you bought it at the Velvet Rope," Tammie said. "But you won't find another one like it."

The Velvet Rope is at 1042 Bloomingdale Ave. The store opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday. On Thursdays, hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (813) 381-3865.

Marlene Sokol, Times staff writer

Landscapers combine experience in new enterprise

Before opening the Grass Pro Shop, William Ferrell owned a professional landscaping company for 25 years. Ferrell came out of retirement to open Grass Pro Shop with Tony Ham, who also has several years of landscaping experience.

The store, which opened in mid-May, specializes in commercial and professional landscaping equipment.

"Anything for commercial needs, we have it," said Mickey Zaso, who manages the store.

In addition to selling equipment, Grass Pro Shop services professional-grade landscaping equipment.

The store caters to a specific segment of the lawn care community and understands the value of customer service.

"Most of our business has been word-of-mouth or customers who know us from years of experience," Zaso said. "In a bad economy as this, customers are the No. 1 priority."

Grass Pro Shop is located at 901 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday. For more information, call (813) 381-3890.

Althea Savage, Times correspondent

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