After three years of jockeying for space in craft shows, jewelry designer Susan Morris decided the time was right to showcase her products in her own space.
Morris opened boutique Simply Charmed in downtown Bel Air June 5. In addition to selling her own bracelets and necklaces, the store displays the work of 14 other artists. Located at 138 N. Bond St., Simply Charmed sells candles, wine glasses, dresses, purses and home d�cor.
Selling at shows is tough because you have to apply and be accepted and there is typically a limit on the amount of jewelry an artist can sell, Morris says. "I've always had a dream of opening a boutique," Morris says. "Vendors shows are a hard type of environment to be in."
Morris spent about $30,000 to open the 1,700-square-foot store. She also likes the store's spot because it gets plenty of drive-by and foot traffic, thanks to the location next to Bel Air Bakery.
Downtown Bel Air has also been undergoing significant revitalization with new businesses moving in and events that promote downtown businesses. These include a Girls Night Out the third Thursday of every month, with extended shopping hours and store promotions. "I've seen so many changes on Main Street. There's a lot going on in downtown Bel Air."
The mother of three started designing jewelry after seeing her sister do the same. After friends and friends of friends started asking her to design pieces for them, Morris' hobby turned into a business that she could do while looking after her three kids at home.
Morris' own signature jewelry piece is a sterling silver chain containing variety of charms and a personalized message.
Source: Susan Morris, Simply Charmed
Writer: Julekha Dash