Tunics and scarves are big-sellers at the moment.After achieving her dream of opening a brick-and-mortar store last July, BelleRay Boutique’s Jennifer Cook said she’s excited at the prospects 2017 could bring her LaFayette business.
“We’re right on the square in LaFayette, and people have said how convenient it is to have a boutique here,” said Cook. “My vision is to have a nice little local store where artists can sell their creations and just be something positive for the community.”
Cook works full time in addition to owning and operating her boutique. She previously worked in the Walker County planning office, but recently stepped away from the position for a new opportunity. This hasn’t diminished her focus on the boutique, however, she said.
“I want to work more on getting more local artists into the store,” Cook said. “We have some handcrafted local items right now, but I want to expand it.”
A native of Chickamauga who has lived in LaFayette for around three years, Cook said she feels compelled to help grow the community around her. So much so that she’s committed to donating a portion of the profits from her boutique every year to the organization Feeding America, which helps families in North Georgia and around the country get better access to food.
Cook described the style she’s aiming for at BelleRay as trendy, but classic. She tries to stay up-to-date on trends in the fashion world, and wagered that any woman age 18 or up could probably find something she’d like in the store.
Despite having only been open for around six months, BelleRay has already developed a following of regulars, Cook said. “I’m just looking forward to what this year will bring,” said Cook.
For more information about BelleRay Boutique, visit the store at 118-C W. Lafayette Square, call 706-996-8443 or visit facebook.com/bellerayboutique.