'Unique Boutique' Solves Setbacks With Style

The word 'unique' means one of a kind, unlike anything else, and it describes well how one group of employees at the Cosumnes Community Services District handled the furlough days caused by recent budget cuts. Instead of pulling their hair out at the decreased income, they decided to pool their creative resources.

The woman put together a holiday craft boutique that showcases locally-made items in a festive environment—all inside an Elk Grove home.

“We started talking about ways to make extra money, and the idea was spawned when one woman mentioned looking into selling her handmade items on Etsy," said Jenny Smith, a CSD management analyst.

And so they held the first Unique Boutique in 2010. Luckily for us, it succeeded, and they are holding the second one this weekend. The artists are 14 women, 10 of whom either work for CSD or are relatives of CSD employees. Expect to see jewelry, aprons, tote bags, knit hats, soaps, Christmas ornaments, wine charms and more.

You can check out the boutique on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 9457 S. Wales Way. 

Can’t make the event but still dying to shop? Visit Unique Boutique on Facebook.