SHELBY — Heather Conn-Whisler’s new boutique location was an answered prayer.
For the past seven years, Beyond Blessed Boutique operated out of Mansfield along Lexington Avenue. But the location was a bit “off the beaten path,” she said, which limited foot traffic.
On Saturday morning, family, friends and city officials joined owner Conn-Whisler to celebrate the opening of her boutique at its new home in downtown Shelby.
Beyond Blessed Boutique’s new address, 41 E. Main St., is situated closely to several other local businesses, including Ivory Bean Coffee House, The Little Shops of Shelby and Whispering Willow Way.
Conn-Whisler said when Tonya Bishop, owner of Whispering Willow Way, let her know the space was available, she began to pray about the opportunity.
“I think this might be a big, scary adventure, but also good for the business, so that maybe it can grow,” she said. “I wasn’t really growing where I was.”
The boutique offers a wide variety of comfortable and stylish clothes and accessories.
Shoppers can also get their nails done at Beyond Blessed Boutique, which offers gel manis, gel pedis, nail art, overlays and gel-x. For patrons seeking nail services, appointments are suggested, but walk-ins are accepted depending on Conn-Whisler’s schedule.
The boutique is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Conn-Whisler excited for new chapter
It has taken a village to get Beyond Blessed Boutique’s new storefront ready for business.
Conn-Whisler thanked her family and friends who helped make it happen.
“You think a month is a lot (of time), but it is not,” she said. “It (the boutique) is not 100-percent right now, but we have it pretty good. I have lots of things that will still happen.”
Conn-Whisler has experienced three traumatic brain injuries throughout her life, which she said has impacted her ability to remember certain things.
Owning and operating her own business has allowed her to continue working in an environment where she can adjust, she said.
“I like the ability to still work for myself and contribute at home and contribute to society,” Conn-Whisler said. “That’s my motivation.”
(Below are pictures showcasing different offerings available at Beyond Blessed Boutique.)
Continued growth in downtown Shelby
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said adding another business to the city’s growing downtown is a blessing.
“I want to thank Heather (Conn-Whisler) and Bruce (her husband) and the family and team here at Beyond Blessed for your investment,” the mayor said.
Jessica Gribben, Shelby’s economic development manager, said she loves to see new businesses added to Main Street which have unique offerings.
She said having a wide variety of different products and goods helps add to the vibrancy of downtown.
“Seeing the small businesses work together, to kind of bring each other into the fold and promote each other, that’s been wonderful to see,” Gribben said. “I think it’s how small-town businesses succeed.”