You see, as I was growing up, my parents always brought my sister and I back beautiful jewelry, clothing and accessories from India. Friends had always commented about how much they liked the items that our parents brought back for us. About three years ago, I decided to open Sass Boutique. The name came to me one morning while getting ready for work. As I tell my dad, I often exercise my right to retail therapy. Hello...who doesn't love a good shopping excursion?
The focus of my boutique was to offer accessories and jewelry, all Indian inspired. Finding suppliers in India was quite a challenge! Since I grew up in the US, I didn't have direct points of contact for suppliers. So I began to research and order merchandise. At first, Sass Boutique made its presence at local craft shows. I realized that I faced quite a challenge getting into craft shows as my products for sale were, well...they weren't crafty. Nor were they homemade. (note to self: DOH!) So I began to sell online and thru word of mouth.
I then took a one and a half year break as I switched jobs in my primary job (IT). The new job kept me busy, and mentally drained (in a good way!). I was about to close up the boutique last summer when a great opportunity surfaced. My boyfriend was driving thru our hometown, and found that a new store was opening up on Main Street, and the sign said "Vendors wanted". Over the 4th of July weekend, we went in and spoke with the shop owners. They asked me to bring back my merchandise so they could take a look. When we returned a couple of days later with samples of the items that I sell, they were very excited. And so, I signed my first rental contract and now have a retail space of my own. It's a 6' X 8' booth, but most importantly, I have window space! As you drive by the store on Main Street O'Fallon, you can see my merchandise on the far right hand side of the window. Can I just tell you how cool that is to watch people driving by and looking? :)
Each month, sales are getting better and better! It's so very exciting! I pray my dream comes true! For now, I am having a great time bringing in new merchandise to fill up open, empty spaces in my booth. The shopowners are wonderful people, and we have built a great relationship with one another. I am so blessed that this has worked out the way it has, and it's all thanks to my boyfriend (thank you boyfriend).
I have decided to steer the boutique more into woman's accessories, and a little less focus on the jewelry. I love jewelry so I can't shy away from it completely :) However, I am very excited about this shift, and the new suppliers I have found....ooooooh....LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
Here's a look at some of the new merchandise that arrived today. I have a lot of other colors and prints as well! They will be surfacing at the boutique by late this coming week. More photos coming tomorrow night, AND more scarves scheduled to be delivered this coming week. Stay tuned for photos of those!
Soft Merino Wool with Fine Embroidery.
Size: 32" x 76"
Item No: ST-48.2
Ultra Soft and Light.
Size: 26" x 74"
Item No: ST495
Pure silk. Ruffled design.
Size: 12" x 42"
Item No: SC172
Hand-Woven cotton. Has tassels on the ends.
Size: 28" x 72"
Item No: SC1122
Hand-Woven cotton. Has tassels on the ends.
Size: 28" x 72"
Item No: SC1121
Merino Wool in Jamevar Motif.
Size: 22" x 80"
Item No: ST16
Ultra Soft and Light
Size: 26" x 74"
Item No: ST491
