For Nikole Shurn Perkins, the decision to open a clothing boutique was about more than pursuing her passion for fashion.
“I want to use my skills to offer people service,” Shurn Perkins said. “And I love helping them look and feel good about themselves, so they can have the confidence to achieve their goals.”
Selling clothes was a part of what the former Marketing professional had in mind when NV (short for Nikole’s Vision) Showroom Boutique opened its doors last August. But her vision also included using her store as a springboard for helping others and making a difference.
The Downtown shop features the hottest styles in clothing and accessories – including inventory from local designers.
“That’s why it’s called a showroom boutique,” Shurn Perkins said. “I wanted to help designers get a foot in the door and have an opportunity to showcase and sell their work. It’s so expensive to get your items placed in Macy’s, so I wanted to be that stepping stone.”
Through NV Showroom Boutique, Shurn Perkins was able to expand her “Fairy Glam Project,” a prom dress drive that donates formal attire to high school girls from financially strained families.
She offers boutique fashions at – or in some cases less than – department store prices. And she keeps women of all sizes in mind.
“I’m a frugal shopper when I shop for myself,” Shurn Perkins said. “And I want to give an opportunity for all women to be in beautiful clothes, regardless of their bank account or dress size. And I have some thick ladies in my family, so I wanted to offer more options than the basic knit sweater set.”
In two weeks she will open the doors of NV Showroom Boutique in collaboration with Butterscotch Belle for Fashion and Fame Fridays – an event to cater to women’s need for fashion and fellowship.
“It will be one of those types of events where we can pamper ourselves,” Shurn Perkins said. “I want to create a space where women can come and get away from husbands and motherhood and enjoy being a woman.”
The boutique is available to rent for private shopping parties or any occasion.
For her, it’s more than just the clothes and the store.
She works at using her knack for style to guide other people into their own personal purpose – whether it’s casual conversation about life or advice about starting a boutique of their own.
“My goal is to be a blessing to others,” Shurn Perkins said.
Fashion and Fame Fridays kick off at 7 p.m. on November 5th at NV Showroom Boutique, 1909 Washington Ave. For more information, visit www.nvshowroomboutique.com, or call (314) 932-5382.
