SECRETE TO SUCCESS

Lexie Mayor, owner of BLK Boutique.

CHARIS PATIRES

Soap from Krazy Bath Sensations. CHARIS PATIRES PHOTOS Vintage furniture from MJ’s Treasurers & Antiques.

Rebecca Christiansen has a vision — to help entrepreneurs launch their business. After launching her own business in Illinois five years ago, Rebecca has learned the ropes and is ready to pass some of that knowledge on to help others succeed.

In 2019, Rebecca and her husband Jeff decided it was time for a change and moved to the Lake area. They not only moved their family, but their spice shop as well. A Pinch of Happiness is a program of her non profit organization, Celebrate Differences, which has the mission of supporting children, teens and adults with disabilities so that they may live productive lives in the community where they live and work. Through the

A shopping experience in Camdenton featuring new entrepreneurs 54 BOARDWALK ON ton to be able to open a business,” she said. “When the building came up for sale, my husband and I talked and I told him the vision I had and the Boardwalk on 54 started to come to fruition.” The Boardwalk on 54 is a 1940s building rehabbed to look like a street scape. Her goal is to offer a retail hub where new businesses can open without all of the overhead. So far nine businesses have jumped on board. “We keep the base rent low so these entrepreneurs can get BY CHARIS PATIRES their start,” she said. “The goal is for them to be successful in hopes that they will transition out of the Boardwalk to a bigger space.” Shoppers visiting the Boardwalk nevspice shop, job skills training is provided er have to worry about weather as they and differently abled adults are given a stroll by quaint storefronts. They’ll get job or assisted in finding employment the experience of old-fashioned charm outside of the shop. while supporting local business. “In having a business here in Cam- Store hours vary, so check each denton, I heard so many people express store’s website and Facebook pages for wanting to start a business but also ver- more information. Future plans are to balizing there was never any good space get food carts in the common areas and available on the Square here in Camden- host pop-up shops for the holidays.

Squirrels Nest Boutique: Women’s, men's and children’s clothing; gifts; home decor MJ’s Treasurers & Antiques: Antique, vintage finds Jack & Jimmie’s: Gift boutique

CURRENT SHOPS

PHAT Clothing + Accessories: Vintage denim collection, women’s clothing and accessories Thyme to Grow: Gift boutique BLK Boutique: Western, hippie fashion Krazy Bath Sensations: Homemade bath bombs and soaps 573 décor: Traditional and modern home décor, custom furniture and consulting The Turquoise Stone: Day spa offering different services including facials, massages and eyelash extensions

Joy Camarena, right, is wearing a “Thunder Rolls” T-shirt, $22; and a beaded necklace, $6/each, from Jack & Jimmie’s. Pictured at Krazy Bath Sensations.

Lexie Mayor, owner of BLK Boutique, above, is wearing a custom T-shirt, $20; felt hat, $10; boyfriend jeans, $40; and a belt, $10.

Brooke Stevens has on a blue sweater with faux fur sleeves, $40; and animal print earrings, $8 from Jack & Jimmie’s. Pictured at 573 décor.

Lexie is wearing a fringe vest, $34; snake skin crop top, $40; bell bottom jeans, $40.

Joy is wearing a star hoodie, $33 with a pearl necklace, $85 from Squirrels Nest Boutique.

FASHIONS FROM:

BLK Boutique hours: Friday & Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Squirrels Nest Boutique & Jack & Jimmie’s hours: Tuesday 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Brooke is wearing an oversized sweater, $38; black bralette, $13; shoes, $20; and a pearl necklace, $64 from Squirrels Nest Boutique. Photo taken at MJ’s Treasures & Antiques. Hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.