Right off Pikesville’s Hooks Lane, Baltimore native Lauren Rutkovitz and her team of styling experts are busy making Baltimore women look and feel their best. With its warm turquoise walls, A Style Studio is a full-service makeup studio mixed with a clothes and accessories boutique, dedicated to providing women — all women — the opportunity to look and feel terrific.
Rutkovitz, owner and makeup artist, with 33 years of experience, made the leap from working out of her house to opening the relatively small, yet always in demand, 700-square-foot store in 2009.
“My husband didn’t like all the ladies coming in and out of the house. After my second child went off to college, I decided I was ready to go back to work full time,” she said.
Rutkovitz started with her best friend, sister Amy Sigman, by her side; she hired Sigman immediately after opening the shop.
Rutkovitz also reached out to Sue Biller, a fellow Baltimore native who has been working in retail professionally for 35 years.
Biller said, “The clients share their special occasions and simchas with us, and it really creates a communal and neighborhood-like atmosphere that is truly unparalleled in the industry.”
Rutkovitz explained the need in the community for a store such as A Style Studio.
“A lot of boutiques do not cater to women over size 10. Since I am not a size 10, I think women feel very comfortable shopping here, and I am very proud of that,” said Rutkovitz. “When you walk into our store, no matter what your price range is, no matter what size pants you wear, you have an honest personal stylist with years of experience at your service.”
Shawn Gelvar, former owner of Shawn’s Place in Pikesville who now works at A Style Studio, said the store is “a pressure-free environment led by honest stylists. When people walk into the store, it’s like visiting friends.”
After nearly five years of business, A Style Studio has built a large customer base. Store regular Debbie Shavitz walked into the establishment on a late summer weekday and was met with hugs and kisses from the staff.
“The number one aspect that keeps bringing me back is the genuine and caring customer service,” Shavitz said with a smile.
However, Rutkovitz is not only creating community within the walls of her relatively small, locally owned boutique. Whenever there is a local fashion-show fundraiser, Rutkovitz and her staff are eager to help.
Last May, A Style Studio and its staff planned, choreographed, styled, accessorized and did the makeup for the wildly successful Mount Washington Pediatric Fashion Show. In addition, A Style Studio clothing, accessories and expertise were featured in the Israel Bonds Fashion Show at Beth Tfiloh Congregation earlier this year.
Are you interested in meeting an A Style Studio expert? Visit 25 Hooks Lane, Pikesville, call 410-484-1115 or visit astylestudio.com.
