The fiery colors of Haiti decorate the walls and the glow of Haitian graciousness permeates the atmosphere of Minouchic Boutique, a resale clothing shop that opened last week at 1900-B Asbury Ave., at Emerson Street.
Owner May Toussaint said the name of the shop, Minouchic, comes from her nickname, “Minou.” Herold Alvares, she said, is a noted Haitian painter. Born without arms, he paints his bright, detailed pictures using his toes. Ms. Toussaint is offering art prints by Mr. Alvares to customers with their purchase of $50 or more.
At her grand opening on Dec. 14, Ms. Toussaint described her love of fashion and the career in retail clothing that led her to open her own shop this year. She, her sister Lynn and three others – all friends since grammar school – put on fashion shows for years, she said. A painting in the shop features five women joined in friendship, gowns overlapping and the word “Friends” at the top.
The shop features clothing for men, women and children, hats, jewelry and purses. And shoes – a wall full of women’s shoes.
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elaine Kemna-Irish formally opened the shop with a ribbon-cutting. Customers and friends who came by the shop that day enjoyed Haitian cookies, pates and muffins from Léonie’s Délice Bakery on Howard Street, and sales prices of 50 percent off. The sale lasts until Jan. 2, so those looking for holiday garb have a new place to shop.