Valley Junction's Newest Boutique is One-Woman Show

A new boutique has opened in Historic Valley Junction has quietly opened on Fifth Street, sharing a building with an established coffee shop.

Allyson L. Masters is owner and designer of Ivy Lane, an apparel, accessories and home accents boutique at 215 Fifth St., next door to Green Grounds Cafe.

Masters said she had a soft opening a couple of weeks ago when customers started drifting in as she was stocking the store.

Masters owned and ran similar businesses for 17 years in Illinois and took part in Wheaton’s French Market, an outdoor market similar to Valley Junction’s farmers market, held Thursday evenings, May through September.

She said the store in Valley Junction reflects her tastes and her own creativity.  She started out in the boutique business as a jewelry designer, working mostly with natural beads and stones, and eventually became involved in merchandising and retailing.

“I don’t say I am trendy,” Masters said, describing the store’s inventory.. “I follow what I like. I like good quality, good value, good fit and good style.”

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Masters said she puts a high priority on goods made in the United States, but admits that’s difficult in the apparel business.

To maximize the floor space in the small store, Masters places only one of each item on the selling floor.

Some of the inventory in the store was offered in her Illinois stores, which had French and italian themes.

But when that’s gone, “it will transcend into something else” and the inventory will be constantly changing.

Ivy Lane is a one-woman show. Masters does all the merchandising and even acts as her own model.

“I have an eye for how how I want things,” she said.

About the Store

Ivy Lane, 115 Fifth Street, Historic Valley Junction

Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sundays and Mondays: Closed, except when special events are held in Valley Junction. Open by appointment or for small fundraisers and parties

Phone: (515) 557-0740