SUCCESS STORIES

Danny Govberg President & Owner, Govberg Jewelers Danny Govberg continues to carry on the tradition started by his grandfather in 1922, offering high-end watches and jewelry to a city rich in history and culture. He shares his vast knowledge of the industry with his staff to provide an insightful, elite level of customer service.

Jeff Glass and Ralph Yaffe Co-Owners, Boyd's A Philadelphia institution, Boyd's has been providing luxury men's clothing since 1938. Combining quality fashion with world-class amenities and customer service, they're regarded as one of the world's great clothing stores. All while being owned and operated by the same family since they opened their doors.

Sarah Van Aken Creative Director, SA VA; CEO, S.V.A Holdings Corporation Beginning with the launch of a clothing line in 2004, and then continuing with the opening of her Philadelphia flagship store in 2009, Sarah Van Aken has gone from clothes designer to fashion mogul. Under her S.V.A. Holdings Corporation moniker, Sarah provides modern luxury apparel to urban professionals.

Lexy Funk CEO, Brooklyn Industries Artist by trade, environmentalist by choice, and businesswoman by nature. Lexy began her retail career innocently crafting messenger bags out of billboard vinyl. That hobby has blossomed into a mini-empire that includes 14 stores in three states and a booming e-commerce website.

Steven Lagos Steven is the founder and designer for LAGOS, a premier luxury jewelry design company. Started in Philadelphia in the 1970's, LAGOS is sold in over 250 stores worldwide. Steven is proud to operate his only stand-alone boutique on Walnut Street in Philadelphia.

Simon Doonan Creative Ambassador-At-Large, Barneys New York Simon is a best-selling author whose book Beautiful People was turned into the BBC hit comedy of the same name. Along with his pioneer creative work at Barneys New York, he is a contributing writer for The New York Observer.

Joan and Ellen Shepp Co-Owners, Joan Shepp This fashion-first boutique is in its 10th year showcasing the likes of Dries Van Noten, Yohji Yamamoto, Elizabeth and James from the Olsen sisters, and more. The nation's first fully licensed Y-3 shop within a shop just opened upstairs!

Mary Dougherty Owner, Nicole Miller; President, MKD & Associates Nicole Miller started life as a wholesale fashion enterprise in 1989. Four years later, the first Nicole Miller boutique helped spark the Manayunk retail renaissance. The Center City store opened in 1996 and has been thriving ever since.

Rebecca Matthias Co-Founder, President & Chief Creative Officer, Destination Maternity It started out in Rebecca's home as Mother's Work, Inc. back in 1982. Today, from its Philadelphia headquarters, Destination Maternity has grown to provide four maternity retail brands to over 1,000 stores worldwide.

Ed Goldberg Senior Vice President of Government and Consumer Affairs & Diversity Vendor Development, Macy's In 2006, Macy's opened its Philadelphia flagship store in one of America's original homes of retail, the historic John Wanamaker building. Within two years, their offerings had expanded to include a Home Store and FAO Schwartz toy store.

Valerie Safran and Marcie Turney Co-Owners and Chef, Open House, Lolita, Grocery, Jamoners & Verde This dynamic retail duo is making the most of Midtown Village with a home accessories shop, a contemporary Mexican restaurant, a café and gourmet market, an Indian byob, and a home and garden shop. Watch for their sixth venture, a Mediterranean restaurant concept, in fall 2009.

David Schwartz, Vice President, Sophy Curson The grand dame of Philadelphia haute couture, Sophy Curson's exquisite shop has been a fashion fixture at the edge of Rittenhouse Square since 1929. The store remains in family hands to this day, with a loyal Center City and suburban following.