Artful Boutique owner Alicia Whyte, left, with staff member Elle Brown. (Alicia Whyte photo)
Today’s Canadian Small Business Week feature subject Artful Boutique owner Alicia Whyte is pleased to be doing business in Arnprior, a place she says has become a destination for those looking for cool spots to visit.
So along with the tried-and-true locals who shop there, Whyte regularly welcomes new faces to the store.
The downtown rehabilitation completed several years ago helped boost the town’s aesthetic, said Whyte.
Artful Boutique sells mainly women’s clothing, as well as shoes, purses and other accessories.
With a roughly 2,000-square-foot shop, Artful Boutique is able to have a variety of lines and styles on offer, something Whyte says customers appreciate. A recent addition that has been causing a bit of a buzz? The store now carries Canadian-designed and made Joseph Ribkoff.
Among the exciting aspects of running the business is getting a look ahead at the next season’s clothing lines, says Whyte.
The business originated as Artful Gallery and Whyte took over the established business last year.
And forget about cutthroat competition, along with the boutique’s former owner Lana Chenier, Whyte has been able to lean on other business owners, including from Audrey’s Fashions and A Dash of Fab, for support while she’s learned the ropes since taking over the business.
Whyte is grateful to be a small business owner and thankful to all those who make it possible.
Future plans include expanding Artful Boutique’s digital presence, as well as hosting an event in November to highlight the store’s cruise wear for customers heading on tropical vacations.
Find The Artful Boutique at 136 John St. North in Arnprior. Check out the website for more info.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)