Karli Harris is proof that you’re never too young to chase a dream. This 24-year-old entrepreneur launched her business from a spare room in her house, and now, it’s a booming boutique in the heart of Wilmington.
After graduating from college, Harris was working full-time for Wright-Patt Credit Union in Dayton. She wanted to wear on-trend fashions that fit well, but not break the bank in the process, so she sought after a solution.
She wanted to break down barriers in the fashion world so women of all sizes could have access to trendy, affordable wardrobe choices. That’s when Harris launched the online version of her Everyday Chic Boutique business in May 2014.
“It started out as a small, online boutique I was running out of my guest bedroom,” she explains. “Soon after, I realized women wanted to see the items and be able to try the sizes on.” Harris hosted a few shopping events and says she was amazed by the support she received. “I knew right away that this was going to be something great, and my dream was coming true.”
Today, Harris is the one-woman show behind Everyday Chic Boutique, a brick and mortar boutique offering a variety of trendy and fun fashion for women of all sizes. “We have a unique line of affordable clothing, accessories and gifts primarily made in the USA,” she says. “Our mission at Everyday Chic is to provide items that allow every woman to feel as special and beautiful as she already is.”
She also has a special place in her heart for eco-chic designers, such as Bullet Jewelry and Rewined Candles, which are made from recycled materials.
Most of the items available at Everyday Chic Boutique are priced between $20 and $50. Harris says the boutique carries a large variety of regular and plus-sized women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, candles and gifts. She adds that inventory is constantly changing, sometimes as often as every week. “There’s always new and exciting trends popping up every time you return to do a little shopping,” she says.
What she enjoys most is being able to see her customers love the same pieces she does. “It’s a very rewarding feeling,” she adds. “I get to do what I love every day. I love spending my time traveling and meeting new people to bring back the most stylish and unique items.”
Everyday Chic Boutique’s Grand Opening will take place on Saturday, April 18. Immediately after the grand opening celebration, Harris says full-time hours begin and the store will be open Wednesday through Sunday. Currently, Everyday Chic Boutique is only open on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There’s also online ordering through social media while the website undergoes construction and the boutique has weekend-only hours.
Everyday Chic Boutique is located at 37 Locust Street in Wilmington. To learn more, visit Everyday Chic Boutique on Facebook and Instagram. You can also send Harris an email at everydaychicboutique@gmail.com.