One-of-a-kind store, one-of-a-kind owner
Hope Nicholls, one of Charlotte's true originals, is in the midst of a monthlong 10th anniversary celebration for her boutique Boris & Natasha.
The eclectic store on Thomas Avenue in Plaza Midwood carries Anna Sui and Tibi right next to accessories from a bevy of local artists, some of whom are exclusive to the store.
There couldn't be anyone (or any shop) more deserving of a party right now. In a city where conformity often seems like an aspirational standard, Nicholls has turned being true to one's self into a retail reality.
"No one can believe we've been around this long, especially me," she says with a laugh. "I've been hustling on this corner a long time, but I've been really lucky in this neighborhood."
At Boris & Natasha, the racks are jammed with things Nicholls would wear, the jewelry cases crammed with stuff she loves so much she just had to share.
That's not to say there isn't the occasional misstep. Sometimes, she has more faith in the willingness of Charlotte shoppers to take style risks than they do in themselves.
Endlessly humble, Nicholls credits some of the success of the store to its physical location, where hipsters and foodies meet. Across the street is the Penguin, around the corner is Common Market; next door is Thomas Street Tavern.
"Sometimes, we're a waiting room," Nicholls says, "But that's OK. People will check us out while they're in the neighborhood for dinner, and then they'll come back."
On the racks, there's Dolce Vita next to Vivienne Westwood, right next to the Ben Sherman. Nicholls is not a label snob, thank goodness - she goes with her gut feeling about what to stock.
Maybe that's why so many designers just starting out find their way onto her sales floor.
While inspired by their creativity, Nicholls gives emerging designers a chance, mostly because she loves distinctive, locally made wares.
There's Don Grubbs, a baggage handler who creates impressive lost wax casting silver jewelry when he's not at the airport.
And Plaza Midwood resident Elizabeth Cannon who, on the recommendation of another neighbor, wandered into the store one day to share her bib necklaces made with suede, felted flowers and hand-crafted glass beads.
Even with the emphasis on unique clothing and accessories, the impact of the economic crisis has been rough, Nicholls says, so much so that it has helped her prioritize and refocus her business plan.
She's putting even more of an emphasis on quality, locally made jewelry, Nicholls says, as a way to subtly educate consumers about the power of a purchase.
It's a chance for shoppers to make a twofold impact, she says. Buying locally made goods from a small business keeps the money in Charlotte, and you'll have something that is quite possibly one-of-a-kind.
Rachel Sutherland - The Charlotte Observer
(Oct 14, 2009)
