For sisters Vanessa Boyd and Alaina Tew, the opening of their new clothing boutique, Swoon, in Holly Springs is something of a family affair.
The two sisters are part of a very close-knit, Italian family. Vanessa and Alaina’s families live next door to each other in Fuquay-Varina and they belong to the same church. Their parents have been involved in the opening of the boutique with everything from helping to hang curtains to offering advice from their many years of experience in business.
The two sisters moved with their family from New York in 1989 and attended Athens Drive High School.
Alaina went on to attend N.C. State University, graduating with a degree in Communications. Vanessa worked in New York City where she was able to observe fashion trends and previously was a buyer for another boutique.
“It is an honor to work with my sister,” says Alaina. “She has always had an eye for what will look good, living in New York and being around fashion all the time.”
The two were looking for a business to start together, and settled on the idea of a clothing store. Other stores of its kind can be found in Raleigh or Cary but nothing was available locally to serve this area. So in four short months, their dream has gone from concept to finished product. They have been extremely busy securing a location for the boutique, designing the store, purchasing the merchandise and clothing and working with the contractor.
Since opening on Monday, July 9, the response has been tremendous.
Says Vanessa, “The key has been the past four months, launching Facebook and Pinterest to peak people’s interest prior to opening. It has also been a real blessing from the very beginning as we have received so much support. Carter Elite Photography has done the photography for the website, Vanity Salon has helped with the hair and makeup for all the photo shoots and Vekkin Solutions has been instrumental in designing our website. Everything has just kind of fallen into place.”
Vanessa and Alaina primarily buy their clothing from small vendors on the West Coast and some from New York. They have one local vendor who supplies some of the shop’s jewelry.
Their mission is to offer fashion that is on trend but affordable. Jewelry prices start from $10, tops from $20 and dresses range from $40 to $80. The store carries only six of a particular item so that customers feel unique in what they are purchasing and wearing. The store gets new items in twice a week and will be buying for the different seasons.
Being a small store lends itself well to getting to know the customers and their particular likes and dislikes and what will look good on them.
“We like to give a service and really assist people when they come in,” says Alaina. “Customer service is definitely key.”
Says Vanessa, “Above all, we want people to come here, feel comfortable and feel like we’re family.”
Swoon Boutique is located at 2112 Werrington Drive, Holly Springs, N.C. 27540 in Main Street Square off Hwy. 55.
For more information, visit the website at www.heartswoon.com or find them on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter@heartswoon and Instagram@heartswoon.
To contact Nancy Catrine, email ncatrine@heartlandpublications.com or call 919-552-5675.
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