As a teenager, Deborah String had a passion for sewing. And, despite her youth, she already had a goal in life—to open a dress shop.
“My business was named when I was a senior in high school,” she said. “I knew what I wanted to do.”
The name she had decided on was Leaf of Eve and, today, her little boutique carries an array of items from clothing to home décor, gifts, food products, jewelry, giftware, accessories and more.
To make her dream happen, String began as an apprentice to an Italian tailor named Francesco Sita. She made good use of those years, soaking in all she could learn. When she felt ready to make custom clothing for others, she began operating a business from her Harrisburg apartment.
People soon learned of String’s talent, primarily through word of mouth, although she did advertise at the VIP, the popular ‘80s club located in Harrisburg’s Strawberry Square.
“The VIP had big screens where they would flash photos and show pictures of the area,” she said. “I paid to have my model’s pictures up there, along with my logo. Everyone dressed up to go to the VIP.”
When String decided to move to a storefront on Enola’s main drag, Leaf of Eve was billed as a tailoring business.
“I started out with 1,000 square feet of sewing space and used half the building as storage,” she said.
About 14 years ago, she decided it was time to put the storage space to better use for retail sales.
“I began with embellished jackets, then started selling the slacks and skirts to go with them,” she said.
Buoyed by the reaction to the retail end of her business, String began to diversify, adding more items and traveling to wholesale clothing shows in New York and the Specialty Food Association’s Fancy Food shows to choose what to carry.
“I’m very eclectic and try to bring a variety of unique items to the area—things people don’t often see,” she said, mentioning stylish handbags from Passion, perfume and body lotion from Ireland-based Inis and a line of clothing from Clara Sunwoo.
String pointed out a colorful, flowing Sunwoo jumpsuit hanging on a mannequin in the corner of the shop.
“Kathy Lee [Gifford] wore that on her show the other week,” she said.
For food items, String rarely looks farther than her home state.
“I try to carry Pennsylvania food products,” she said, singling out Mechanicsburg-based Brittle Bark. “That was one of the first ones I picked up.”
Others products include Pepperelly, a pepper jelly made in Harrisburg, Asher’s chocolates from Souderton, and products from Bumbleberry Farms.
“That’s a women-owned business based in Somerset, and they make a variety of honey creams that are great on so many things, like toast, popcorn and cupcakes,” she explained.
Of course, String still does a steady tailoring business.
“When women come in for tailoring services, they are amazed at the selection of items for sale,” she said.
Chebonne Robison, who relocated to Delaware but often returns to visit, said Leaf of Eve is one of her routine stops.
“She carries different clothing that you can’t find anyplace else,” said Robinson, who recently purchased a raincoat from the shop and two bracelets for friends with February birthdays. “I like her jewelry, and I know if I see something that I think might fit me, Debby will guide me to the right size. So, it’s the personalized service I like, as well. Not many shops are like that.”
Sisters Tania and Abeer Srouji own Eye Candy, a Mechanicsburg-based jewelry and accessories business. They were so impressed with the boutique that they decided to pair up with String to sell their products there.
“I discovered her shop a couple years ago when a friend of mine recommended her seamstress services and was blown away—it was almost like a hidden secret,” said Tania. “When we choose where to sell our items, we try to find retailers that embody the same type of ethics we embrace. She tries to buy local and is very involved with the community.”
She also was impressed with the variety of items offered.
“She has a little bit of everything—items you don’t find at the big box stores,” she said. “That’s what makes her shop so special. She’s an entrepreneur with vision and fills her store with unique, fun stuff.”
String said she stays up to date with current trends by attending trade shows several times a year—which is something she likes.
“I enjoy selecting products that people will like and tailoring clothes that people will feel confident wearing,” she said with a smile. “And when brides come in and leave happy and give me hugs, that just makes me feel good.”
Leaf of Eve is located at 149 N. Enola Dr., Enola. For more information, call 717-732-2564 or visit www.leafofeveonline.com.
