New Business / December 2005
Alexandria Marie,
All Things Darling and Different
Tammy Fenerty |
Pat Lawrence
Tammy Fenerty took her daughter’s lovely name and turned it into a lovely shop, Alexandria Marie. The unique boutique is a shoppers delight, a welcome and welcoming respite from discount outlets and mall stores.
Tammy was a secretary for years, and says, “I knew I didn’t want to do that again!” The mother of four had “hoped to one day open a quaint little antique shop. But there seemed to be enough of them, so I decided to focus on the kind of store that I like–with all kinds of unusual, interesting things.”
The opportunity to make the store a reality unfolded so naturally, it was irresistible. Tammy’s neighbors were the owners of Sahara Tannin who had opened a new retail complex that featured a number of beauty and health businesses. “They kept talking about how they wished they could find a specialty shop to locate there, that they needed just one more tenant.” The complex was right across from the school, which made it convenient for the mother of a twelve year old and twin eight year old boys. The building was brand new, not quite completed, so she would be able to choose the colors, light fixtures and carpet.
The other businesses were ones that were natural destinations for women, the tanning salon, hair design, nail care and massage therapist.
With her oldest child in college and the younger ones becoming self-sufficient, Tammy realized the time had come for her to open the shop she had planned on. The store would be named after her twelve year old, who had been given the names of both of her grandmothers.
But before Alexandria Marie was a shopping experience, it was a learning experience. Tammy took business classes and computer classes. She took advantage of the workshops offered by the local chamber of commerce. She took a trip to Texas to meet with successful boutique owners there, taking notes and saving ideas.
Alexandria Marie opened in July. It is a potpourri of unusual fashion accessories, from handbags to home décor, bath and beauty products, and a variety of seasonal specialties, all thing Tammy says, “that I picked out that I would either love to give or love to receive, things that other stores just don’t carry!”
From the stained glass hangings that look like vintage purses to jewelry made of sterling and crystal and art glass fragrance lamps, Tammy shares her new and different discoveries.
Although it is clearly an upscale shop, Tammy says, “I do all I can to keep the prices decent. Of course, I don’t buy in bulk, I may buy six of one item, not six thousand. But, it doesn’t mean these wonderful things aren’t affordable.”
There are advantages to running the business that she didn’t expect. “I love to decorate, so I change things around often, especially, the displays, which is great fun. And, the best part is meeting the customers. I was a stay at home mom for so long, I love talking to customers-they’re adults!”
Alexandria Marie, 3657 Teays Valley Road in Hurricane, WV has extended hours for the holiday season, from 10-5:30 Monday- Wednesday, 10-8 Thursday and Friday and on Saturday from 10-4. For more information, call 304-757-7975.
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Femme Fair 2006
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