Instore Magazine • May 2025 • SHOP SISTERS

WE MET ABOUT 10 years ago at a booth at the GJX Show in Tucson, AZ. The exhibitor looked up and realized she was working with two like-minded women who owned jewelry stores with a lot in common. She introduced us and we hit it off.

Lindy’s eponymous store, a boutique with a relaxed beach style in an historic downtown shopping district on Amelia Island, showcases demi-fine jewelry, unique designer pieces and made-to-order custom designs. Laura’s store, Gem Jewelry Boutique in Oak Park, IL, focuses on the work of independent emerging and established jewelry designers, mostly women artists.

Making new friends later in life is not always easy, but we connected almost immediately. Lindy’s smart wits and Laura’s humor blend together, forming more than a friendship but rather a sisterly camaraderie. We have realized that it’s important both mentally and financially to collaborate. Competition doesn’t have to mean rivalry.

Over the years, we have made a point of having dinner together when meeting up for the markets in New York, Las Vegas and Tucson. We even went to India together last spring for an industry event. We keep in touch between buying trips, often reaching out for advice or support.

Going to Jaipur together really solidified the friendship. We were able to separate from the industry group to spend four nights in a heritage hotel and just wander around together.

We spent hours in an Indian dress shop scooping up loads of cotton block print dresses that we tried on, laughing hilariously because we were in such heaven there! We both packed an empty duffel bag stuffed with those dresses for the trip back home.

We also share notes on designers we carry and make recommendations to each other. Beyond sharing sources and meals, having a shop sister is also really great for when times are not so easy.

Laura has called Lindy wracked with worry about something business related, whether about an employee issue or how to deal with a difficult customer. Lindy has been able to hold her hand through it and infuse some much-needed love and humor into the situation. Sometimes, you have to hand the mirror to someone who gets where you are coming from to determine whether your reaction to the situation is reasonable and appropriate or overwrought.

Looking ahead, we’re making plans for Vegas and have already made dinner reservations. We are also discussing other things, such as the price of gold (gasp!), the possibility of a trip to Turkey next fall, and perhaps a podcast? Something to ponder indeed.

Lindy Kavanaugh owns Lindy’s in Amelia Island, FL, and Laura Kitsos owns Gem Jewelry Boutique in Oak Park, IL.