A new boutique has opened in downtown Albemarle, showcasing a wide variety of merchandise from regional suppliers from across Stanly County and the location.
Community Boujee, started out by pals Josie Ferguson and Shellie O’Daniel, attributes about 2,800 objects from more than 30 sellers across the state and nation, which include candles, men’s toiletries, all-purely natural pet products and solutions, jewelry and holiday break decor. But contrary to other equivalent firms, this 1 features items manufactured solely within the United States.
In addition to its unique stock, the shop also specializes in gift baskets for all instances.
“You can stroll into any boutique and discover one thing adorable made in China or Indonesia or India,” Ferguson explained. “We’re making an attempt to element as several persons as we can that are area that are accomplishing their dwelling-centered business.”
The retail outlet is at 132 S. 2nd St. in the area that utilized to be Will’s Position.
“This is our minimal baby,” claimed O’Daniel, who lives in Rowan County. “We’re seriously psyched about it. It’s certainly a unique working experience.”
Just about every month, Area Boujee will emphasize a regional vendor, getting items shown at the front of the store, alongside with a quick backstory about the company.
“We’re escalating our small business but in flip, we’re assisting other local sellers,” Ferguson reported.
Ferguson very first discovered the house was for lease when she was driving through downtown in May possibly en route to building a deposit for Clayton Residences, exactly where she is a income supervisor. Having constantly desired to start off a retail enterprise, she met with Lee Allen, broker and operator of Re/Max City and Country in Albemarle, who took about management of the various buildings together South 2nd Street in January 2021, and signed the paperwork to take in excess of the house.
After reaching out to loved ones and mates to see what type of organization was most required in Stanly County, Ferguson decided on a boutique. She then approached O’Daniel, whom she phone calls her artistic buddy, to see if she required to be part of the enterprise.
“I stated, ‘Okay, I’ll open up a boutique will you enable me?’ ” Ferguson recalled. Just after bouncing ideas again and forth, the women decided to work the retail store on a 50/50 partnership.
As for the name?
Ferguson jokes that numerous of her good friends have referred to her as “boujee,” a phrase ordinarily utilized to describe people or things that are significant-class, though she states it’s a lot more fitting to describe O’Daniel. They eventually put together the expression with their emphasis that all things be produced regionally, inside the U.S., primarily the Carolinas. They are in the system of trademarking the name.
The top aspiration, Ferguson mentioned, is to ultimately expand and open up many spots all over the point out.
The company will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday by means of Saturday.