Justine Mantua fell in love with Hampden six years ago and liked it so much she made it the home for her new business.
The recent college graduate opened Fleurish Boutique May 13 at 822 W. 36th St. The 700-square-foot store sells an eclectic mix of modern and vintage furniture and home d�cor and gifts. Having studied interior design in college, Mantua offers interior design services.
She started her business in New Market, in Frederick County, but decided the store would be better suited to Hampden.
"I fell in love with the energy and all the people are so nice," Mantua says. "I always thought how much I'd love to have a store there. I just decided to pick up and go."
Though her first few days of opening were slow going, she is hoping business will pick up once word of her store gets around. The location, on Hampden's main thoroughfare, the Avenue, should get plenty of foot traffic, Mantua hopes.
"I love the location. I wanted to be right on the Avenue. I like sharing the area with other businesses," Mantua says.
One of her goals with the store is to keep prices affordable so that young people like herself can afford to buy "cool vintage furniture." Currently, her most expensive item is $230 for a China cabinet.
She gets her goods from flea markets, barn sales and Craig's list.
"I take people's old, unwanted furniture and fix it up and paint it. It's kind of like recycling it."
She decided to start of small and give herself room to grow.
"I don't want to bite off more than I can chew," she says.
But she would like to expand someday.
"Right now it's pretty small and squished. I hope I could eventually get a bigger space with more room."
Writer: Julekha Dash
Source: Justine Mantua, Fleurish Boutique