On July 3, as much of Jefferson City was attending the Salute to America festival, a new business was holding its grand opening on Jefferson Street.
Mattie Grace Boutique, located at 608 Jefferson St. next to J&D Bicycle Shop, offers women's apparel and accessories.
Owner Sheila Berhorst isn't new to the retail business.
She started selling products from LuLaRoe, a multi-level marketing company specializing in women's clothing, and did in-home parties and vendor events.
Eventually, she decided to go out on her own. In 2017, she operated another store downtown, Simply Chic, with two others, then she transitioned to selling online.
Now, she's back in her own brick-and-mortar location with Mattie Grace, named after her two children's middle names.
Although she works full time for Central Bank, Berhorst wanted to start a new business because she enjoys sharing her products.
"I enjoy selling clothing, picking out fun stuff for people to wear," Berhorst said. "I enjoy seeing people, dressing them in their personal style, and finding those things where people are like, 'Oh, wow, I love this.' That always makes me feel good to share that love for clothes with them."
Berhorst said her boutique is able to offer some unique items that are harder to get in stores because she and her cousin Amy Schaefer went to the Atlanta Apparel Market in April - a large, several-story apparel market designed to connect retailers with clothing, jewelry and shoe lines from across the country.
Berhorst and Schaefer picked out merchandise there for Mattie Grace, which they feel makes them unique.
Another unique touch: Berhorst makes some of the jewelry they sell.
Mattie Grace offers women's clothing from sizes small to 3X, Berhorst said. Right now, the store has a small, but colorful, selection of clothing, including brands like Zanana and Judy Blue jeans.
The boutique also offers jewelry, including a line of snap jewelry that allows wearers to buy one base piece, like a ring or bracelet, then purchase interchangeable snap-on pieces to change the design.
Other merchandise includes a line of accessories such as can koozies, keychain lip balm holders and coasters for car cup holders.
Mattie Grace is open Wednesdays through Saturdays with varying hours, and some merchandise can be purchased through the business' Facebook page.
Know of any business happenings around Jeffereson City? Let us know at [email protected].