Leo Torres
Gadsden County News Service
Otterly Southern Boutique celebrated its one-year anniversary Saturday with the grand opening of its new location in Havana.
The boutique kicked off its opening with a blessing, followed by a ribbon cutting. Once the doors were open, vendors offered henna tattoos, color analysis and permanent jewelry to complement the shopping experience while refreshments, gift bags and giveaways ensured the fun never wavered. Aside from the festivities, patrons got a taste of the kind of clothes the store offers and had plenty of support from business owner Ashley Clark.
“She’s got stuff for casual; she’s got stuff for businesswomen,” Quincy resident Becky Avrett said. “You can dress it up, you can dress it down, and that’s what we like about it. Everything that she has, you can make it work for you.”
The store describes itself on Facebook as a “size-inclusive boutique that carries comfortable and fashionable clothes for every body.” This is certainly reflected in their inventory, as sizes range from small to 3x.
“Women being able to find clothes that fit their body shape and their style-it’s very empowering,” Avrett said.
Clark said she drew inspiration for her business philosophy from being a plus-sized girl herself.
“I went into boutiques, and they didn’t sell my size, and it made me feel uncomfortable to shop,” Clark said. “I didn’t want other people to feel that way.”
Chelsea White, owner of Garden of Your Heart Coaching, was one of the vendors at the event and had nothing but love to express toward Ashley.
“Ashley’s all about empowering women and that’s something that I love,” White said. “When a woman feels beautiful, she tends to exude confidence, and she shows up a lot more in life.”
Clark said she hopes to develop an entire department store one day, utilizing her extra real estate to provide men and children’s clothing options. Dozens visited the store upon its opening, and people will surely fall in love with what the store’s offering-physically and spiritually.
“Her philosophy is making women feel beautiful and we do every time we come in here, and she makes sure that we look good when we leave,” Avrett said.
