Tell us a little about your backgrounds:
Jose is the owner of Sartorial Inc., a new men’s fashion boutique in downtown St. Pete. Natalie is a wedding coordinator and special events planner in St. Pete and all over the US. Her company is TheDayoftheEvents.com Jose is originally from the Twin Island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, home of the best Carnival celebration in the world! Natalie was a US Army brat born in Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. We have two children – daughter Naadia is married and teaches at the University of Chicago Lab School and son Jelani is manager and chief stylist at Sartorial Inc. As of early January we are new grandparents – Naadia gave birth to a beautiful baby girl!
How did Sartorial Inc happen?
Brainchild of Jelani and Jose who thought that St. Pete needed a male specialty boutique with a focus on affordable luxury wear that would cater to the St. Pete vibe. We carry the most comfortable shirts, limited edition jeans, Italian sport jackets, windproof sailing jackets, great athleisure performance and resort wear.
What was your inspiration behind opening your establishment?
To recapture the original nature of St. Pete and its style. St. Pete once was a paragon of fashion and style. Sartorial Inc is intended to reflect the personality of downtown and provide the option of “style for the classic male” to the residents and visitors. We want to reflect the chill personality of St. Pete.
How would you describe your sense of style?
Jose: Classic and confident, without being stylistically rigid. I will NOT wear dark brown and black together or a plushy sweats or sandals and socks. I like leather shoes without socks and will add personal flair as we all should (pocket square, great belt, etc.)
Why did you decide to live downtown?
Culture, community, diversity, the vibe. St. Pete is welcoming and will adopt you. It was a great opportunity to strive to be authentically local. As residents of downtown Old Northeast, we live within walking distance from the shop and Jose serves on the board of our condo association, we are a member of the St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce, supporter of the Dali, American Stage, Infinity, CASA, and many other great local organizations.
What are your favorite dining and drinking establishments?
We love Annata for the wine, selection of charcuterie and braised pork shank. Also at 400 Beach the Lobster Mac & Cheese and the Oyster Trio and Tap selection are favorites.
What do you do when you are not working?
Take advantage of all the many wonderful events St. Pete has to offer such as festival and concerts in the park and local shopping, Saturday Morning Market, etc.
What is your favorite night out on the town?
A gala supporting a worthy event within the community, like only St. Pete can do. Go to a play/performance, have dinner with a great choice of wine and stimulating thought-provoking people and end the evening with live music. We also simply enjoy watching people from a great seat on Beach Drive or at the rooftop bar at the Birchwood Canopy.
