For those in the Wittenberg community looking for custom goods, look no further than Express Boutique and Accessories.
The new boutique, located at 503 S. Webb St., will provide custom-made clothing and accessories for men, women and children. The grand opening is set for 10 a.m. Feb. 25.
“Originally, I started my boutique just online in 2020 during COVID,” said owner Kay Koehler, of Wausau. “Then when Empowered Boutique opened, I was a vendor.” She noted that she did very well selling some of her custom creations out of Empowered Boutique at 505 S. Webb St. — a fact that did not go unnoticed by boutique owner Tonya Benbo. “We then just decided to kind of team up together.”
Koehler said she is excited to occupy the adjacent storefront and that she thinks her items complement Benbo’s merchandise.
“I did well on my vendor side, and because I do the custom items and she does regular clothing, it kind of provides a variety of items for everybody,” said Koehler.
According to Koehler, children’s clothes are a big priority for her, as customers’ needs are not currently being met.
“There is nowhere to shop anymore for kids’ stuff, so that is kind of why I originally started doing the online thing,” said Koehler. “There is nowhere to shop anymore in Wausau for children’s clothes. I have little ones, so that is kind of why I brought the children’s line in. So I think that that will be a good aspect to this, too.”
In addition to children’s clothing, Koehler’s store also features custom-made tumblers, cups, key chains and night lights, along with custom-made T-shirts, hoodies and sweatshirts — which she makes personally, start to finish. On top of all of that, Koehler will also showcase items made by her daughter, Kynslei, including her own tie blankets and tie-dye purses.
Koehler said that she initially was not going to open a store and continue to sell her items online, but support from friends helped her to make that jump. She added that nothing new is being added to the boutique from her online store.
“I post everything. It’ll come in store, and I will custom-make for customers that see it,” said Koehler. “People are welcome to come here and purchase it as well.”
Throughout her three years selling items, Koehler has called this a fun experience and wants to continue those feelings with the storefront.
“This last year was probably my best year, but I just started doing the craft shows,” said Koehler. “Obviously, everybody does the tumblers, but I just bring something different. I do the liquor toppers. I just started doing the coach purses. I have a ton of different cups that you don’t see at vending shows.”
For her custom-order items, Koehler said that she only makes one copy or one piece, to avoid having too many unwanted sizes.
“That way, they can custom-make in any color and any size,” said Koehler. “I do all of my stuff from start to finish, so I don’t buy it already made. I have a light in my basement that acts as sunlight, so in the winter I can start shirts down there and finish them outside.”
In terms of expanding her store to have a physical space, Koehler said that she is hoping that this will attract more attention and customers to Express Boutique and Accessories.
“I hope that more people will come in here and actually look at the stuff so that they can physically see it, versus it being online,” said Koehler. “That is why I will continue to do the vending shows — just because that way people can always see all of it.”
When guests arrive to Express Boutique and Accessories on Feb. 25, they can expect to see a filled-up boutique, along with other welcoming events.
“For the grand opening, we are going to be doing raffle baskets, snacks and drinks, so it will be kind of fun,” said Koehler. “I will be taking custom orders. This is just to show what is going to be happening — just kind of like an intro to what I am doing.”
lreimer@newmedia-wi.com
Boutique to help clothing need in Wittenberg
