Shopping, Socializing, Networking: It's a Fine Life!

The stores in Duluth are more than a place to shop. They offer us the opportunity to be a part of the market, to find something uniquely personal at a reasonable price, and quench our desire to socialize a while.  Shopping, socializing, networking: A perfect landscape for my journey on the pursuit of happiness.    

A few weeks ago, I was in pursuit of a costume -- for my daughter’s happiness -- when Shelly from Sensibly Chic proved to be a life-saver! My daughter Kate needed a costume for her role as Bet in the Duluth High School production of "Oliver."    

I was down to the wire. This day, this Saturday, I needed to find the perfect outfit. We had shopped all morning and had been to about a zillion different shops in Tucker, Stone Mountain, Decatur, and Norcross. Calling ourselves the Three Musketeers, we had fun searching all the consignment stores but were weary and worried about our lack of progress in finding a Victorian dress. We were feeling pretty desperate when we pulled in at Town Green to take a break and devise a "Plan B." I would later wonder why on earth I didn’t start my search in Duluth to begin with!

 I somehow convinced Kate and her friend Rachael to make a quick detour to Sensibly Chic in order to pick up a birthday gift. I was a bit worried I would actually make it to my friend’s party but the Girl Scout within me whispered "Be prepared." Paying at the counter, I began explaining my predicament concerning the elusive Bet costume to the store owner Shelly. 

You see, my daughter had a vision of what was right, yet all we had seen so far was definitely wrong! By this point, I was not only exhausted but almost at a panic stage on where to shop next for her costume. I’m thinking Virginia Highlands, Little Five Points, and Midtown and how on earth will I fit this into my schedule? Shelly happens to be a veteran in the theater world, and I hoped she could help.

On hearing my story, she raised her eyebrows and tilted her head, made a quick phone call, and then ushered us out her doors, down the street to The Boiler Room. “The Boiler Room is just opening, and they design costumes and props and sets for plays, and I just know they will be able to help you!” Music to our ears! I was amazed at our good fortune and a bit giddy in anticipation of  what we might find. Kate is glowing! The Three Musketeers are traveling. 

If Shelly was our fairy godmother, then Erin was our angel at The Boiler Room! Erin didn’t mind that we arrived while she was still moving in and technically not really open for business yet. She knew exactly what my daughter needed and expertly handled her requests. After Erin calmed my nerves regarding both quality and budget, I pretty much left it to Kate to place the order. 

The Bet costume was designed, sewn, fitted, and ready right on schedule. I feel privileged to have such artistry and talent in my hometown. We found the perfect costume for "Oliver" in the exact right color (moss green) and the right style (Victorian) as Kate had envisioned. Erin even aged the lace using tea, explaining to us why tea would work better than coffee for the particular lace we had chosen. Needless to say, actor, director, and mom were all blissfully happy with the results. 

The Boiler Room will be holding its official grand opening this Saturday, May 21, at 10 a.m. I’ve heard there will be lots of activities to enjoy like performers and makeup artists. Also, Mayor Nancy Harris will be hosting an official ribbon cutting.

I plan to be there to help celebrate the opening of this incredible store. After getting a cup of coffee at Chocolate Perks of course!