Earlier than she knew what she would do with an empty storefront on East Fourth Avenue in Tarentum, Melanie Malone discovered herself signing the lease.
“I used to be searching Fb and thought, ‘What an exquisite house,’” she mentioned.
“I actually wanted to have that house, however I did not know what to place there.”
Lower than every week later, Malone, 43, of Harrison can be ushering in Alle-Kiski Valley’s newest trend finds beneath the identify Blushing Moon Boutique & Studio.
With a boho-chic vibe and sizes for everybody, Malone mentioned hers is a group of trendy clothes at inexpensive costs.
“I need any lady to have the ability to are available in and purchase one thing,” Malone mentioned. “I do not need to serve solely younger folks or solely older folks.
“I need it to be the sort of place that if I have been right here purchasing with my daughter, I might get one thing too.”
A shocking quantity of inventory fills the intimate house at 220 E. Fourth Ave. Distressed denims, stylish clothes and earrings are on show, together with boots, luggage and bat-wing blouses. There’s additionally an internet retailer for individuals who need to browse from the consolation of their houses.
Malone plans to supply personal purchasing occasions, bottle retailers and different particular days to attract new eyes to the merchandise. For social media lovers, she plans to put up coupons.
Different particular occasions will profit the group at giant. For Highlands college students, Malone is developing with a promenade promotion the place highschool college students can select the costume for his or her huge day at value.
“I do not need to earn money off of them,” he mentioned. “They might simply pay the fee and transport.”
Lately retired Tarentum councilor Carrie Fox is delighted to have one other purchasing possibility for ladies.
“It is nice to see a lot development within the metropolis,” Fox mentioned. “It is a good draw for Tarentum.”
Initially from San Diego, Malone moved to Harrison in 2010 to be nearer to her mom’s aspect of the household.
Regardless of working full-time as an workplace supervisor for a growth firm in Zelienople, Malone didn’t falter when the prospect of proudly owning a boutique fell upon her lap.
“There’s not a lot round right here for women,” she mentioned. “What woman would not need to have a boutique? It is one thing enjoyable.
“Plus, as soon as I set my thoughts to one thing, I do it.”
That is sort of what occurred with Malone’s different aspect: a pop-up meals truck, Something Rolls Eggrolls.
A couple of years in the past, Malone envisioned an eggroll with taco filling and determined to make one.
The remaining is historical past, he mentioned.
“That was one other shocking factor,” he mentioned. “I grew up in a household that cooked lots, however actually it was only a whim. Now I’m very busy on a regular basis.”
Armed with a enterprise diploma from the College of Phoenix, Malone is finding out to earn a certificates in accounting. He mentioned the brand new boutique will probably be staffed primarily by his mom, who’s captivated with trend.
“I like the smile he places on his face,” Malone mentioned. “She’s on the brink of retire and he or she’s not prepared to sit down round day-after-day.”
The household affair continues with Malone’s husband, Daniel, planning to hire out the boutique’s second ground for furnishings refinishing. His inventive eye is behind the style window ornament.
Retailer hours fluctuate. For now, it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Malone mentioned he hopes to fulfill new individuals who will come study the ever-changing inventory.
“I am not right here to make 1,000,000 dollars on each article,” he mentioned. “I simply need to see folks glad.”
Tawnya Panizzi is a reporter for TribLive. She joined the Trib in 1997. She will be reached at tpanizzi@triblive.com.