Who makes West Federal retail run
our owners
For Tara and Ben Wegdam, retail is more than a business—it's a passion rooted in travel, creativity, and community. What began over two decades ago with a single store in Middleburg, Virginia has grown into a vibrant family of boutiques.
Tara’s journey started in Nashville with “The French Shoppe,” and later blossomed in Europe, where she studied abroad in Paris and the Netherlands. Ben, originally from the Netherlands, also brought his international background to the mix. Their passion for beautiful, thoughtful goods and meaningful experiences has driven their work from day one.
Each brand reflects a different side of their shared vision:
Zest brings energy and confidence to your wardrobe with stylish, affordable fashion.
Lou Lou offers accessible, on-trend accessories and gifts.
Crème de la Crème is known for its European-inspired home décor and signature scents.
Brick & Mortar Mercantile blends wit, charm, and Americana into a collection of thoughtful and humorous goods.
With shops across Virginia, Maryland, the Carolinas, and beyond, the Wegdams remain hands-on in every detail—from sourcing unique pieces to designing immersive in-store experiences. At the heart of it all is a love for connecting with customers and creating spaces that spark joy, nostalgia, and discovery.
Behind the scenes
Behind the scenes, our office team keeps operations running smoothly, from planning to product development, while our dedicated warehouse crew ensures every shipment, display, and delivery is handled with care. Together, they bring heart, hustle, and creativity to everything we do—and they're the reason our boutiques feel personal, polished, and full of life.
the office
Our office team is the engine that keeps everything moving. From buying and planning to marketing, HR, and customer support, they manage the details that keep our stores and website running seamlessly. With creativity, organization, and a whole lot of teamwork, they make sure every part of the business reflects our brand values and delivers an exceptional experience—both in-store and online.
the warehouse
Our warehouse team is the heartbeat behind the scenes—carefully receiving, organizing, packing, and shipping every item with precision and pride. They ensure our stores stay stocked, our online orders go out on time, and that everything arrives just as it should. Their hard work, attention to detail, and dedication make it possible for our entire operation to run smoothly.
