While change is in the air for downtown St. Pete’s Sundial shopping center, one local business is proving that resilience, style and community connections make all the difference.
Jackie Z Style Co., a family-owned boutique known for its curated mix of designer fashion and accessible finds, is marking a major milestone: 10 years at Sundial. And they’re not just sticking around—they’re expanding!
From Dream to Reality
For owner Jackie Zumba, fashion was always the calling. After a marketing career, she opened the first Jackie Z Style Co. in Sarasota back in 2011, adding the St. Pete location in 2012. Fast forward a decade, and Jackie Z has become a staple of Sundial. “We’re all in on St. Pete,” Zumba says, reflecting on closing the Sarasota location to focus fully on their Sunshine City store.
And that focus is paying off. Despite construction challenges and recent closures at the Sundial like seafood restaurant Sea Salt, Jackie Z Style Co. has continued to thrive, building a loyal following that’s kept the boutique buzzing.
“We used to be on the other side [of the complex], near Locale Market, and then we expanded to a bigger space right around 2020,” Zumba recalled. “During the construction, it was not fun dealing with that for months, because it looked like we were closed. But we have a big following, so we kept in touch with our clients, and that really kept us going.”
“Now we’re actually expanding again for the second time, taking over the space next door,” Zumba added. “We’re at about 3,000 square feet now, and with the expansion, it’ll be almost 4,000.”
More Than a Boutique
Jackie Z isn’t just a place to shop—it’s a family-run labor of love. With Zumba, her husband Brian Kins, and even their daughter Ansley involved, the boutique offers a personal touch that keeps customers coming back.
“We are really engaged with our customers,” Zumba said. “My husband and I are physically very active in the store. We’re also very involved with the community. I think the fact that we’re family-owned and ‘boots on the ground,’ actually running it, makes a big difference compared to a company where the owners are not present. We’re hustling to make it work, no matter what happens.”
From high-end brands like Gucci and Fendi to stylish $50 finds, Jackie Z Style Co. balances luxury and accessibility, making it a go-to spot for DTSP and Beach Drive shoppers.
Big Things Ahead for Sundial
The Sundial is undergoing a $3 million transformation, with exciting plans to revamp its courtyard into a vibrant greenspace with an outdoor bar, new restaurants and more. Jackie Zumba is optimistic about what’s to come, especially with big names like Forbici Modern Italian bringing fresh energy to the plaza.
“We’re really excited for Forbici to come,” she said. “We met with [restaurant owner] Jeff Gigante recently and he’s got such a positive outlook and such high hopes for the center. I think he’s going to bring the new energy to St. Pete in general, and kind of bring that Tampa fun, Hyde Park vibe to us here at the Sundial. That’s the goal: to have people come, hang out, drink, eat, shop and do everything right here.”
With her boutique thriving and the Sundial poised for a comeback, Jackie Zumba is ready for the next chapter.
What’s your favorite Jackie Z find or Sundial memory? Drop it in the comments, and don’t forget to tag us in your shopping adventures with #dtspfun! 🛍️