by Michelle Boudin
The boutique owner shares her favorite places and things about Charlotte and beyond, from vacation destinations to restaurants.
Renata Gasparian opened her namesake clothing boutique in the spring, showcasing her unique designs. “We say it’s a mix of bohemian glamour and Brazilian soul, with a touch of Southern charm,” says the busy mom of three. The East Boulevard showroom is just a short drive from her Myers Park home.
Gasparian grew up in Brazil and worked for an international boutique department store in Sao Paulo before moving to Charlotte 10 years ago.
Known for her figure-flattering, flowy dresses, skirts and vests, Gasparian handpicks fabrics during twice-yearly visits to India with her father, who co-owns the brand. She launched a jewelry line in late 2024, which is also handmade in India. “It’s very edgy but also functional with diamonds, colored stones — a mix of rubies, sapphires and emeralds,” Gasparian says. “People were always complimenting my jewelry, so I thought, let me try and see where it goes.”
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
The Jimmy Chop Salad and Stagioni
Eat + drink: My favorite is Stagioni. I love their sides — caramelized carrots, Brussels sprouts — and they have great salads. It brings me a little bit of that feel of being in Europe, my favorite travel spot. With the kids, we love going to Kid Cashew — they have a nice Sunday brunch. We also enjoy The Jimmy — it’s a neighborhood place, and they’re very sweet with the kids, with a great menu for both kids and adults.
CULTURE: I love that part of uptown where the Bechtler meets The Mint Museum. It’s a great spot where you’re in Charlotte, but it also has a
big-city feel.
Mint Museum Uptown
Parks: We’re very fortunate that we live right beside Freedom Park, so that’s always a great place to go for a walk or take the kids to the playground.
Wellness: Woo Skincare + Cosmetics — I love the ambience, the women who work there, and the easiness of finding things — and it’s extremely well curated. Infinity MedSpa and Wellness for Botox.
GETAWAY: St. Barths is my favorite. I was there with my family last summer on a yacht for a week, and it was one of the most memorable trips ever. Being on a boat makes everything special — you’re on the water all the time and you can enjoy stopping in different islands. SP
Photos courtesy Renata Gasparian, Mint Museum, Stagioni and The Plaid Penguin
