Deb Toth has always been blessed with a keen fashion instinct. Graduating with an associate degree in Fashion Merchandising, she worked for two talented, gifted women in ladies' wear for seven years while she learned "the ropes". Not wanting to compete with her mentors, Deb brought Little Lords Little Ladies - a fresh, modern, fun clothing shop for parents and grandparents to dress their hip children - to the Olde Riverside community, where she has been for 24 years this coming August.
Along this successful journey, Deb managed to pick up four devoted, like-minded employees, a Peoples Choice Award, a Value Assurance Retail Award, an "OFE" Judy Award, and a husband! Yes... a HUSBAND!
The stretch of Wyandotte Street East where Little Lords Little Ladies was located happened to be part of Steve's usual route when he went out jogging. Developing an interest in him, Deb organized the first Olde Riverside Fun Run so that he would attend the event - which he did. He won the race that day, and he and Deb have been inseparable ever since. They now have two wonderful children, Albert and Charles - and love, respect, and appreciation of each other make the solid foundation of their family.
From a very young age, Deb was encouraged to be a leader, and she is grateful for the positive and strong influence that her parents provided. Throughout her life's path, she has always worked hard - from creative to management to maintenance - to serve Little Lords Little Ladies well and make sure that it continues to offer the pleasant boutique environment that people like shopping in.
Deb has been able to share her talent for fashion with her clients - people love the pieces that she presents them with from her many collections - and she has also been able to provide high quality at an excellent value. She pays close attention to what her clients' needs are so she is sure to continue not only meeting them, but exceeding them.
Little Lords Little Ladies has participated heavily in community events such as fashion shows, and contributes to other community activities by providing door prizes and auction items, because as Deb says, "You're not really living unless you're giving."
The current economic slump that Windsor has been experiencing has been a bit of a struggle for Little Lords Little Ladies - and many other Windsor businesses - but nothing that can't be handled. Deb knows that these speed bumps serve to sharpen you as a person, so she "considers it pure joy when she faces trials of many kinds" (she quotes James 1 from her favourite book, the Bible).
She is able to recognize that balance is a discipline, and she lives thankfully. Deb will continue to build the foundation of Little Lords Little Ladies - where there is no change, there is no growth - by taking more of an outward focus where it's not about one store, but a whole community that has much to offer. There is also a "Next Generation" program in place now for their customers - the clients Deb used to dress are now dressing their children; a legacy she wants to reward for long time loyalty.
Visit Little Lords Little Ladies at their brand new location - 5866 Wyandotte Street East - to see the hot new styles for boys and girls, infants to teens, and find out why it has been so successful for so long!
