Local Gem JaeMae Boutique

Story by Lindsey McClain, RHS Intern

​JaeMae Boutique, an up-and-coming ready to wear shop, is a hidden gem in Richmond’s historic Depot District. Owned and operated by twenty-one-year-old entrepreneur Julia Allen, this quaint but stylish store boasts clothing, accessories, art and passion. 100% women led, this business holds space for Julia’s ready to wear clothing as well as the creations of six other local women. Julia has said that her store was inspired by her nana’s own business, local hair salon, Le Crazy Horse. It was in this salon that Julia worked managing licenses and working as a receptionist where she gained valuable skills in business. It led her to consider her own career and her dreams of being an entrepreneur. When thinking about what she envisioned for her store, Julia looked at what she spent most of her time doing already, which turned out to be shopping. She believed a clothing boutique in Wayne County could be something enjoyable and fun for women of all ages in the community. 

Julia Allen, owner of JaeMae Boutique

​Her vision and love of fashion drove her, and in 2019 she started selling merchandise from her grandmother's shop. It was only two years later on January 26, 2021 that she had opened her own space where JaeMae Boutique was officially rooted. What Julia believes sets her business apart is the care she has for her customers stating, “I just want to be here to brighten people’s days.” A part of this she believes is making cute clothing accessible for everyone. This is why she takes great care filling her store with both petite and plus sized options. Julia said she's had times when she’s gone into a store and felt defeated that nothing would fit her, so it's extremely important to her that her store is inclusive for everyone.
 
 
Julia Allen is somewhat of an anomaly among residents of Richmond. People are intrigued by her young age and maturity, as well as her commitment to the community. Since starting her business, Julia has offered discounts for shopping small at other local businesses; Her website invites members of the community to park clean ups-- organized by JaeMae boutique seller Yahairi Patoja, founder of Diverse Curls. To Julia and the women she works with, Wayne County is home. She said that her favorite things about Wayne County are its mix of history and newness as well as the close-knit sense of community she feels here. 

During our interview, Julia said, “I always knew I wanted to empower and support other women.” JaeMae Boutique is no exception to this. The six local creators alongside Julia are able to show their one of a kind, handmade, and passion-filled creations to the community. JaeMae’s is a space where women of completely different talents can come together and sell their work. The women featured are Brandi Collazo, Megan Maiden, Yahairi Patoja, Christy Johnson, Alexis Collins, and Brooke Bond. These local women make products such as macrame, wood art, epoxy jewelry, handmade headbands, and organic hair and body soaps.

You will find JaeMae Boutique located at 191 Fort Wayne Ave, Richmond, IN and at local events such as Archway Days and Octoberfest. You can also stay up to date on new products through the JaeMae Instagram, Facebook, and website. Julia has big plans for the future of her boutique. Besides just expanding, she wants to create a business template modeled after her own. She hopes that women would be able to use this and the information she provides to pursue their own business endeavors--pushing others to follow their dreams just as she has. Julia’s passion and drive show through in every aspect of her business. This is truly a place to feel welcome and inspired. I encourage everyone to stop by and see for yourself just how special JaeMae Boutique really is.

Connect with JaeMae Boutique!
 
Website:http://www.jaemaeboutique.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaemaeboutique/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaemaeboutique/?hl=en