Cottonwood Creek Boutique offers various services, including shopping, 24/7 tanning and aesthetics.
CHENEY-Owning a salon and practicing as a licensed cosmetologist seemed like a nice spot to settle until Angela Evans stumbled across one of Cheney's local gems that she described as having a welcoming bohemian-western vibe.
Downtown's Cottonwood Creek Boutique was something that instantly drew her in and she couldn't help but leap at the opportunity to be the newest owner of the unique space.
Evans took over the small business on July 1 and said that even though it was a hectic time to do so, she has been grateful for the community's kindness.
"It was a crazy time to take over because that was a very busy weekend and we went right into the Cheney Rodeo," Evans said. "It was busy, but it was very nice. I had a lot of people coming in to say hello and all of that."
The search for a new venture beyond her career in the beauty industry is why Evans found herself on 1st Street.
"That's what brought me out here originally to look at this space," she said. "The 24/7 tanning and esthetician all combined with the boutique-I was really intrigued by that. Business wise this is just a really good fit for me with my background."
Leading up to her purchase of the boutique, Evans spent time shadowing previous owners Rachel Gfeller and Marianne Gfeller and began to feel "at home".
Other than expanding in-store selections, Evans isn't planning to change the branding and services established by previous owners.
"Clothing, home decor and gifts-we're trying to branch that out and expand on that," she said. "Really, I didn't see anything that I wanted to change. We'll stick with it."
Lisa Humphrey, a newly licensed esthetician and owner of Wild Heart Aesthetics, is renting a piece of the boutique space and looks forward to accepting clients soon.
"By the end of the month I'll be fully open for business," she said. "My dream had been going back to school for aesthetics and I thought 'how perfect.'"
Humphrey brings skin care, eyebrows, waxing, spray tanning and some lash services to the boutique.
Evans is planning a re-grand opening in September and potentially bringing fragrances to the shop.
"Everyone has been so warm and welcoming-just stopping by and even suggesting things that they would like to see in the store," she said. "We're both just really excited."
The boutique at 317 1st Street is open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tues.-Fri. And 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Michaela is a former newsroom intern at the Cheney Free Press. She covered stories on education, city government, cops/courts/fire departments and local businesses.
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