It’s rare these days to hear about a business that is still thriving after 40 years.
Essentials, a boutique located in the heart of Oklahoma City, was launched in 1985 by Mary Ann Grade. Her attention to customer concerns and desires was rewarded by the growth of an incredibly loyal customer base, many of whom still frequent the business today.
“We strive to preserve the reputation our founder established by keeping strong ties with the local community, providing exceptional and personal customer service, and maintaining a comprehensive selection of unique luxury products,” says Kerri Tarman, Essentials' current owner.
“Essentials is about providing an outstanding and personalized shopping experience for our customers,” Kerri notes, adding that Essentials carries the largest selection of several luxury lines throughout the state, including Nest Fragrances, Lafco New York, and Baobab.
Work by several local artisans also are carried at the boutique, including Felicity Jewelry Designs, painter and mixed-media artist Diane Potter and Tarman Woodwork.
“Essentials is unlike any other, providing its customers with a wide variety of carefully selected products from around the world and around the corner,” Kerri says, adding that “every product we carry is hand-selected by a member of our team” with their customers in mind.
“Whether shopping online or in-store, we believe our customers deserve high-end customer service,” she added.
“We are always prepared to answer questions and provide recommendations. As a bonus, we provide complimentary gift wrapping that your friend, family member, spouse or co-worker will instantly recognize.”
Essentials continues to thrive today because it continues to follow the customer-driven philosophy of its founder.
“Many of our customers have been shopping here for years, and their preferences drive our inventory,” Kerri says. “I love finding new things to introduce our customers to that I know they’ll enjoy as much as I do."
With its outstanding selection of home fragrance, gifts and personal care and a continuing commitment to the customer-based philosophy begun by the shop’s founder 40 years ago, it’s likely today’s shoppers will still be coming back for more in yet another 40 years.
Meet Kerri Tarman
Kerri’s first job, at age 14, was stuffing gift baskets at a local retail shop called Essentials. In 1998, after having worked at Essentials for 10 years, she left to care for her growing family, but continued to frequently visit the store and remained in touch with her former co-workers. She spent the next 20 years raising her family and assisting her husband when he started a business of his own.
“After years of carpool coordination, a few out-of-state moves, and some independent interior design consulting work,” Kerri found herself searching for a new project and, in 2019, returned to Essentials as owner.
The loving wife and dedicated mother of four shared a recent personal milestone: “I was recently promoted to grandmother!”
Essentials
9402 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73120
405.842.6401