Finally, a quality tween store that girls and moms both can love.
Topeka’s latest independent retail shop, Lilly Grace, opens her doors on Small Business Saturday (November 28). Located in historic Wesboro Mart, Lilly Grace is a shop for girls and teens offering clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories in sizes seven thru 16 and Juniors. But it’s more than that.
“We’re creating a safe and beautiful space for girls to shop, where buying a special occasion dress feels like event,” said Ashley. “And where buying your first bra is comfortable, not embarrassing or scary.”
Nightmares of all the stares and glares I felt 25 years ago as my mother requested I exit the JCPenny dressing room so she and the lingerie specialist could poke and prod and adjust my training bra straps come rushing back to me. My face, glowing bright red with frustration and embarrassment, my mother’s with pride and accomplishment. I want to vomit, run and hide just writing about it. I haven’t thought of that horrific experience for 24 years and 364 days. Luckily for Topeka tweens, Ashley has daughters, who appropriately were the inspiration and namesakes for the store.
“We were frustrated by the limited options for the style and fit we wanted, even in other, larger cities. Lilly Grace fashions will have quality, durability and style appropriate for young women, especially focused on tweens, but including girls both younger and older than 10–13” said Ashley.
Lilly Grace will be open throughout the holiday shopping season, including a wish list registry to help family members, grandparents and friends buy appropriate gifts. For the opening weekend, shoppers can get 20 percent off their purchase.
Ashley already has more plans in the works. “We will be adding some special touches in January and plan a Grand Opening in March.” Many of the plans for the remodel were suggested by Ashley’s daughters, the store’s namesakes, such as candy and comfortable chairs to take break while shopping.
Lilly Grace is one of two retail stores founded and owned by Ashley, a seveneightfive Woman Who Rocks. ASH Boutique located in downtown Topeka on Kansas Avenue offers contemporary women’s fashions and has an amazing e-commerce store. Lilly Grace’s storefront at 3123 SW Huntoon was previously home to ASH Boutique, who outgrew the space and moved last year. “When ASH Boutique moved downtown, we had the perfect location open up for Lilly Grace. The Westboro Mart has been wonderful to us so we’re so excited to begin this new chapter in our cherished neighborhood,” said Ashley.
“This is exciting news for the Topeka community that speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Top City: a brand new independent retail shop is opening. Not even a pandemic can slow this entrepreneur down!,” wrote Alex Reilly when sharing the news with seveneightfive. We couldn’t agree more.
LILLY GRACE
opening November 28
3123 SW Huntoon
Contact Ashley
SHOP ASH BOUTIQUE ONLINE
