Around Town

By Christopher Miller

“I want to work for myself, it’s always been a dream of mine and I knew from a young age that I wanted to work for myself and not anyone else,” said local new business owner Ashley Garbrick of Blonde Boutique.
The past 12 or so months have seen approximately 6 new business openings in the general downtown Lock Haven area. On Saturday, November 27 we can add another new listing to the local directories with Blonde Boutique.

“During quarantine and COVID I think was a time when people were not working and they realized their job did not make them happy or were feeling fulfilled, and it inspired people to find a passion and for a lot of these people it was to open a small business and figure out what would make them happy,” said Ashley.

At 20 years old and a Business student at Lock Haven University, Ashley has made quite a name for herself in the social media business world. “I started a YouTube Channel when I was young and was always interested in somehow working for myself…there have been a few different ventures, but YouTube is where it all started for me.”

The environment and ambiance of the store is important to create a one-stop shop experience. “I want this place to be where you can come and find something for yourself, and something for a friend,” Ashley said. “It will have a good-vibes feeling…I want your time spent in the store to be beyond a shopping experience.”

So what is in store for those who visit Blonde Boutique? “There will be unique and fun fashion pieces like jackets, sweaters, pants and what is trending…gift things, accessories, shoes, activewear, and my custom designed graphics.”

By “custom graphics,” Ashley explained that she sits down with her iPad and designs her own graphics based on ideas and things that she has seen. “Some designs I have in my head, and then I put it into my design software on the iPad and make my own screen print,” she said.

What is exactly trending now? According to Ashley, it is a return to the ‘90s. “I am seeing a lot of wide-leg flare pants and straight jeans, mid-calf boots, oversize blazers, leather is in…puffer vests are back and some funky prints like western, groovy, and neutral browns and beige,” said the young fashionista.

“I want everyone to feel like they can find something here,” Ashley explained. “I will have all custom graphics and some clothing that I can purchase available up to 3X sizes, and a good mix of everything…I want to get in some petite and XS sizes too, and shoes starting at a size 5.”

With the holiday season at our back door, how can Ashley help a clueless man, such as myself, shop for a Christmas gift for my wife? For Ashley, it’s all about learning about what my wife likes. “What she normally wears, colors, and what she likes are big hints for me,” said Ashley. “I can typically point you then in the direction of best-sellers and trendy gifts and accessories…all I need to know is for you to tell me about her.”

A grand opening event is being planned for Small Business Saturday, November 27. There will be a free gift for the first 50 people who stop by the store and of course, Ashley’s sister Katie of Blonde Girl Bakery, will have sweet treats on hand that you do not want to miss. There will also be sales on Christmas designs and some clothes in-store.

For those who are more social media inclined, there is a Blonde Boutique VIP group. “The website will not list everything that I have in-store, and there will be weekly Live Videos, Trendy Tuesday, Fashion Friday, giveaways, contests and promotions…I want to connect with people personally,” said Ashley.

Welcome Blonde Boutique to the business atmosphere of Downtown Lock Haven on Small Business Saturday, November 27.

Blonde Boutique
310 N. Grove St.
Lock Haven
570-295-0594
Store Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am to 5:30pm
Saturday 9am to 3pm
Sunday – closed
*Hours may be adjusted for holidays, please check social media for more details

Facebook: @shopblondeboutique
Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/shopblondeboutique/
Facebook VIP Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/4678502408861470/
Instagram: shop.blondeboutique
TikTok: @theblondeboutique
Email: contactblondeboutique@gmail.com
Website: https://www.blondeboutique.net/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ashleygarbrick