The Place off Line
Geri Roberts Cope’s basic plan was to open a Pilates studio to showcase her talented daughter’s artwork. But there is nothing ‘basic’ about Cope. So it’s no surprise her plan grew into something much different.
Yes, Megan Davis Taylor’s creative talents are on display and available for purchase. However, instead of women walking into “The Place Off Line” to exercise, they come to select a wardrobe from a variety of styles.
“Los Angeles and New York City converged on Azalea Drive,” said Cope, owner of the boutique located at 714 Azalea Drive (just off Line Avenue). “The Place Off Line” features a diverse selection of apparel and accessories.
“We seek out things unusual and unique,” Cope said. “We want to be the personal shopper (for our customers).
When Geri Cope says, “We,” she means it. “The Place Off Line” is a collaborative effort between Cope and her “team” of Shelley Prothro, Jane Meyer, Loretta Lyons, Dessie March, Marilyn Rountree and financial consultant, Stephen Roberts.
“When you walk into The Place it looks like my closet and someone else’s closet and continues on with diverse taste.” Cope said, “I don’t select everything. We go as a team to market. We all participate in the selection.”
You won’t take many steps into “The Place Off Line” before realizing this boutique looks like a place you would find in Dallas or Atlanta. The layout and design (many thanks to Greenway Designs, LLC) just like it’s apparel is different.
“We want it relaxed -very inviting, and fresh each time a shopper enters,” Cope said. “We want The Place to be a destination for girlfriends to share a unique shopping experience or a husband and his wife to feel comfortable while we politely assist.
Indeed, Cope says, it’s not unusual for the “husband” to be offered a beverage in front of the TV while he waits on his wife.
It’s also not unusual for a mother to want to help her daughter. Cope recognizes Davis Taylor’s talent as an artist, as well as the need to help expose her work.
“I’ve had such a lucky life,” Cope said. “I’ve been blessed. My mother has given me a lot of confidence and encouragement to do things outside the box. I’m passing that on to my daughter.”
And passing on to the women of Shreveport a place unlike any other. “We put someone in an outfit and they walk out a different person,” Cope said. A lady can come in and we just light her up.”
