“I wanted to be able to give back and I thought this would be the perfect way to do it,” said owner of Coolest Shop in Town, Julie Britton. Britton opened the Coolest Shop in Town in December 2012.
She has been on a mission to be a shoulder to lean on for those battling breast cancer ever since. Britton herself is a breast cancer survivor. “I was diagnosed in September 2011 and went through surgeries. I had to start chemotherapy at the Ohio Cancer Specialists here in Shelby. The nurses were just wonderful; I just loved them. They helped me so much through that process,” said Britton.
Britton wanted to start her own business and decided to open the Coolest Shop in Town. This is not any ordinary store. There is a Little Back Room in the store that has a special meaning. In this room, there are wigs, hats, turbans, pocketed bras, and breast forms that are available. Britton accepts donations of these items and then donates them back to those in need.
“The Little Back Room has been a part of the store since we opened. I take them back to the room and let them pick of what they want. I know that the items are very expensive, but I do this because I enjoy helping people who are in need during those tough times. I have been there and I know what it is like,” said Britton.
“When someone comes into the store, I tell them about the Little Back Room and let them know what is offered. We are an all-occasion gift shop and offer a number of items including vinyl wall designs. The back room is more private. I want them to feel comfortable when they are back there looking at the items. I want to be able to connect with them when they are in the back because it is an emotional time for them,” said Britton.
The response from the community has benefited the Little Back Room. “We have had a great response from the community. There have been so many doors that have opened through this process,” said Britton. As well as her own store, Britton is involved with the Shelby Area Business Group. Some of the proceeds from the Chili Cook Off on October 5 will go towards the Little Back Room.
“I have had about 15-20 wigs go to those in need and about that much in hats. I have had at least 15 bras go and at least six or seven breast forms, too. I spoke at the Relay for Life in Willard. I wanted to let them know what we are about and make it more about those in need and not about me. I know how expensive these items are and I want to be able to help them in any way I can. It just fills me with joy to be able to help them,” said Britton.
Britton joined Shelby’s Pink Ladies and will be participating in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on October 19 in Mansfield. T-shirts are being sold for $20 and can be purchased at the Coolest Shop in Town and at a table in the Shelby Farmer’s Market. The proceeds from the t-shirts will go towards Making Strides fundraising.
“I do this because I enjoy helping people who are in need during those tough times. I have been there and I know what it is like,” said Julie Britton.
