Lisa DeCavalcante is one of Harrisburg’s most fashionable entrepreneurs. As the owner of Little Black Dress, for four years now, she’s become an expert in offering stylish and affordable apparel to the ladies of Central PA.
It’s been an interesting year for Lisa. The unseasonably cold spring meant she had to quickly accommodate spring shoppers needing sweaters rather than sun dresses. And later this year, the stores at 1845 Market, where Little Black Dress is located, will be getting a makeover with a new name “Neighbors & Smith” and larger updated spaces. “New retail businesses and restaurants will be added to make the entire block a focal point for Camp Hill,” says Lisa.
But the heart of Little Black Dress remains the same. “We work really hard at providing individual service to our customers. We select the inventory ourselves so we know what is here and we listen to our customer to fill whatever need they may have,” explains Lisa. She says that her and her team are constantly refining their buying strategy, trying to be more flexible and offer variety. “We are now traveling farther to find unique items at better prices to give our customers something they can’t find in the local retail environment. Fashion by nature is constantly changing so keeping up on trends in clothing and lifestyle is a necessity and a full time job in itself.”
It’s a job that Lisa is particularly passionate about. “I really think that people express themselves through their clothing, among other things. The opportunity to help people express who they are and how they want to be perceived is a challenge I really enjoy. I love that it’s never the same two days in a row and I like the constant contact with customers, some of whom have become friends as well as customers.” And customers feel the same, having selected them for Reader’s Choice in our Simply the Best poll for the past three years and nominated again for 2018. “The biggest award, however is the great compliment we get from our customers by continuing to shop with us for outfits for significant occasions in their lives as well as for their day-to-day wardrobe.”
From the start, Lisa made a conscious effort to support local arts and women and children’s charities. LBD is a loyal supporter of THON at Penn State and at Camp Hill High School and Central Dauphin High School. She also holds clothing drives for Dress for Success and is a designated drop off spot for the clothing charity.