When JBoutique opens in downtown Piqua on Friday, February 25 it will be the second location of a successful Minster based business owned by later-in-life entrepreneur Julie Fausey. Prior to opening her Minster store in September 2016, Fausey had been a full-time Mom to her five children, including twin boys. When the last one left for college she says she felt “more than an empty nest” and decided to start a boutique in her home town. “I am a very good shopper and I have always had a knack for putting together outfits.” says Fausey.
The original JBoutique location in Minster was on the second floor of a building owned by Fausey’s parents but after just nine months in that location, and with lots of customers and more demand, the very week she decided she needed to expand and move, the only real storefront in Minster became available and Fausey snapped it up.
Julie Fausey credits her strong work ethic and later-in-life entrepreneurial spirit to her father who started a very successful metal fabricating business at the age of 55. The Minster location of JBoutique has a large draw and pulls customers from Sidney, Delphos, Lima and Coldwater.
Julie Fausey entertained the idea of expanding to Piqua three years ago but at the time she was concerned about her capacity to operate a second location because she played all the roles in the business including buyer, merchandiser, marketer and book keeper. Earlier this year she found a second core person to help her with the expansion and once again, as fate would have it, the very week she decided to expand she was contacted by building owner Brandon Virgalito with a space that had just opened up.
JBoutique, located at 124 W. Water Street (opposite Town and Country Furniture) is a complete ladies boutique that carries dresses, coats, shoes, pants, basics, jewelry, accessories and plus size clothing. The Piqua location is bigger than her storefront in Minster so it will also carry home décor and gift items including a line of candles, limited food items, baskets and giftware.
Fausey prides herself on selling all her products at reasonable prices and says the model has worked for her.
Grand opening weekend hours are 10 – 6 on Friday, February 24. Saturday, February 25 hours are 10 – 4 and Sunday Noon to 4 p.m. Beyond opening weekend the store hours will switch seasonally but will be closed on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday hours are 11 – 6, Wednesday 11 – 7 , Thursday and Friday 11 – 6 and Saturday 11 – 4. Customers are encouraged to like the JBoutique facebook page for regular updates on new merchandise and sales.
