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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
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Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
The Painted Tree Boutiques, the area’s newest home goods shop, is a unicorn of sorts, says Caylie Barnett, the brand’s creative director. The company is a national chain—with 13 stores and four more in the works—but each shop’s offerings are unique to the location.
At Missouri’s first location, which opened at 14850 Manchester on April 17, shoppers will find clothing, children’s items, home décor, jewelry, and accessories in such local booths as Cozy Haven, Sweet Momma Blair, and Robin’s Cozy Nest. “We have hundreds of shops under one roof,” says Barnett, “and each purchase truly supports local business.”
The first Painted Tree store opened in 2015 in Little Rock, where the company is headquartered. Each location is operated by Painted Tree, but the company doesn’t set prices or dictate what merchandise is sold, allowing small businesses to showcase and market their products to customers without the commitment of owning or leasing a storefront.
At Painted Tree, helping fledging business owners extends beyond simply leasing them a space. As like-minded entrepreneurs have shared space and navigated the partnership with the company, a support system has sprung up.
Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
“It’s so powerful to hear their stories,” says Barnett. Shop owners, she says, have been forthright about the company’s impact on their lives; they say it frees up time for them to spend with family while providing an income: “We’re able to take some of the load off.”
Lucie Switalski operates the Lucie & Willow Boutique, selling home décor and such clothes and accessories as comfortable T-shirt dresses, cozy lounge sets, and vibrant statement earrings. (A shop favorite is the “What Would Dolly Do?” Dolly Parton tribute tee.)
Switalski wears many hats in addition to that of boutique owner, and her fast-paced life can make it difficult for her to find the time she needs to cultivate her business. That’s where Painted Tree comes in. As Switalski is selecting new styles or directing the brand’s social media strategy from home, Painted Tree clients are walking into her booth and shopping. “Within my first week as a vendor, I exceeded my sales expectations and made several new business connections,” she says.
The brand recently launched The Life and Style Podcast, in which Barnett interviews business owners whom she calls dreamers and makers. She covers such topics as finding inspiration and cultivating creativity.
“To put it simply,” Switalski says, “the space is filled with creativity and passion. Each vendor puts their heart and soul into their booth.”
Interested entrepreneurs can apply for shop space here.
