Yesterday, we met Sisterhood Boutique, a social enterprise run by women from the East African community in Minneapolis. The boutique is a space meant especially for girls and offers stylish looks at affordable prices – everything in the store is $12 or less!
Since the boutique launched a few years ago, they’ve come a long way in growing their business and serving the community. But it was time for a change – they were ready for a step forward. So we’re working with our friends at The Progressive North to help them get to the next level!
On today’s docket? Furniture!
Many of the things the Boutique used were either donated or purchased at outlet stores. So they had a hodgepodge collection of furniture, and not always of the best quality. They wanted new ways to display the clothes and accessories for sale.
Our friends at Pillsbury United Fund generously match our funds for this project, which allowed us to go further and farther for these ladies! We were able to purchase a couple of multipurpose racks for hanging clothing, and shelving for decorations and accessories. With two new lounge chairs and an end table in the fitting room, it felt like a place you wanted to sit, relax, and laugh in.
The new furniture and layout felt more like a boutique, and less like a secondhand store.
photos by Rebecca Studios
“Our goal with every decision – from store layout, the types of displays, to the paint on the walls – was all intentional,” said Sammie from The Progressive North, who helped design the space. “We wanted the Sisterhood Boutique story and mission to come through the entire customer shopping experience from the moment they walked in the door.”
Now, the young women who come here to find friendship, community, and a little fun, too, will feel even more welcomed and special. It’s amazing what a few pieces of furniture can do!
