‘Bringing Fashion from Around the World to Nashville’ — Meet Emerson Grace’s New Owner
After 25 years in global consulting, Darci Bolenbaugh traded corporate boardrooms for Nashville’s Emerson Grace. Meet the woman bringing a fresh perspective and a little “corporate quirky” style to the beloved 12 South boutique. Image: Gina Ing
After 25 years in global consulting, Darci Bolenbaugh was ready to trade frequent flights and corporate boardrooms for something a little closer to home. Enter Emerson Grace, the beloved Nashville boutique she often frequented as a customer. Now, Darci brings her business savvy, global perspective, and “corporate quirky” style to the 12 South store. We caught up with her to talk about making a major career pivot, taking the reins of an established local favorite, and why owning a boutique turned out to be exactly the next chapter she was looking for.
You spent 25 years in global consulting before making a major career pivot. What was that chapter of your life like, and what brought you to Nashville?
I learned so much about business — how to solve tough problems, how to make challenging decisions, and how to treat customers well and earn their loyalty. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the world’s leading companies and their leadership teams.
It was a whirlwind, with time spent all around the world, including five years in London. While we loved our life in Chicago, in our new “freebird” state (I hate the empty nest phrasing), we were ready for a new adventure in Nashville.
When Emerson Grace entered the picture, what made you think, “This is what’s next”?
My husband and I previously owned a small fitness business while living in London, and overall, we really had fun with it. When we thought about moving to Nashville, we had this idea of doing that again. We wanted to be part of the community and contribute to its economic success and local character.
I’ve always preferred shopping in person in a well-curated independent boutique with a clear point of view. I always seek them out when I travel, and it’s truly special to own one.
Rather than starting a business from scratch, you stepped into an established Nashville boutique. What was important to you about honoring what Kimberly Lewis had built while also making Emerson Grace your own?
It was truly kismet. I had seen the business on a brokerage site and couldn’t believe it. I knew the store, its brand, and had shopped there before. I really got to know Kimberly when we were in discussions and negotiations. She built an incredible business, and I’ve learned a lot from her.
How would you describe the “Emerson Grace woman,” and what do you want her to feel when she walks out of the store?
She’s fun! She wants to look chic and modern. But, she’s busy! She may or may not want to spend a lot of time figuring out how to style herself. That’s where we come in — bringing fashion from around the world to Nashville for our client to discover and enjoy with our styling team’s support.
What skills from your consulting career have translated surprisingly well to boutique ownership?
Prioritization for sure. They say “retail is detail,” and that is so true. You have to figure out how to spend your time in the most impactful way. Also, how to earn loyalty. I literally wrote a book on that! It’s fun to put it into practice as a business owner.
How would you describe your own personal style? Has owning a clothing boutique changed the way you get dressed?
Our sales manager called me “corporate quirky,” which is so funny to me because everyone in the business world thinks I’m so out there sartorially! I enjoy high-quality clothes that reflect my personality — that are lively, interesting, and fit incredibly well. And I dress for my day, which could be working at the store, in a corporate boardroom, at a fashion market in New York, or being out to dinner with my friends or husband.
What do you love about being rooted in Nashville and the 12 South community?
Nashville has such a vibe. I love the “small” town feel of it, even while it’s growing and changing. I know there is a lot of discussion about how Nashville is changing, and change is hard. We want to know and be known by our neighbors and deeply understand our local clients, so Nashville continues to feel unique. I love that 12 South is such a walkable area with everything from quaint boutiques (wink wink) to must-try restaurants like Locust.
When you’re not at Emerson Grace, what does an ideal day off look like for you?
A hard workout, a long walk with my dogs, and an even longer dinner with family and friends.
What’s something about you that might surprise people?
My dearest friends are those from my small hometown in central Illinois. All nine of them! We met as early as first grade, and man, have we been through a lot together. I wouldn’t trade those friendships for anything.
What Nashville spots are currently on your personal shortlist?
So many! Nashville is awash with so many wonderful places, with new ones all of the time. We love Elegy Coffee on the weekends and breakfast at Dose, near our home in East Nashville. We’ve been going to Folk since we came to Nashville over six years ago, and it’s still a go-to when friends come to town. Since I’m typically buying new fashion, I love to be inspired by vintage. Paloma has a great selection.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The ego is powerful. Be careful of caring too much about what others think of you. Stay true to you.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What self-care item or treatment can’t you live without? My vanity is so crowded with products I love for daily rituals. But my favorite self-care is going to The Golden Door in San Diego every year. It’s an oasis of kindness.
Current favorite clothing brand? I’m loving what we have in the store right now from By Louis and Sold Out NYC, which are both new brands to Nashville, and some of our tried-and-trues — like Mother, Samsoe Samsoe, and Isabel Marant.
Favorite recent book or podcast? The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout. It was just nominated for the Booker Prize. It’s a story about midlife and making choices, and it’s a delight.
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Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Editorial Operations Manager and Lead Content Editor. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.
