Biz Buzz: Bellevue retailer nears opening; seamstress opens Shullsburg store; local beauty biz goes brick-and-mortar

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Biz Buzz shares business tidbits from across the tri-states. This edition highlights recent developments in Bellevue, Iowa; Shullsburg, Wis.; and Dubuque.

BELLEVUE, Iowa — A new retailer is coming to Bellevue with the goal of offering “something for everyone.”

Day by Day Mercantile is set to open Feb. 14 at 122 S. Riverview St. The downtown gift shop will offer a mix of clothing, home decor, gift baskets and other goods at a variety of price points.

“We want it to be a one-stop-shop where people can come and find something fun for themselves or as a gift for someone else,” said owner Sierra Steines. “We wanted to offer a variety of products at a variety of different prices so that there was truly something for everyone.”

A first-time business owner, Steines described the store as a labor of love that was both inspired and supported by her close circle of family and friends, and she said she wants visitors to feel like they’ve entered a “home away from home.”

The store was named in honor of Steines’ late grandmother, Verna, and laid out to inspire the nostalgic experience of visiting a loved one. The shelves are stocked with a mix of new and timeless styles using recommendations sought from friends, family and other potential customers.

Steines said the goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by the entire Bellevue community.

“In my logo, you’ll see that there’s a house with an open door,” she said. “That represents the open-door policy that my grandma always had when I was growing up, but it also represents the way I want to welcome people in.”

In addition to the retail area, Day by Day Mercantile also is equipped with a small event space. The space can hold roughly 25 people, Steines said, and can be rented out by individuals or area businesses.

She also intends to use the space for in-house workshops and community collaborations, such as a hot chocolate and craft bar planned for Feb. 23.

“Bellevue is such a hidden gem, so I’m looking forward to collaborating with other businesses and nonprofits in the area to offer this new resource for the community,” she said.

Once open, Day by Day Mercantile will operate Friday, Saturday and Sunday with the possibility of expanded hours during the summer season. For more information, visit the Day by Day Mercantile Facebook page.

Seamstress opens Shullsburg store

A seasoned seamstress has opened a new clothing alterations store in Shullsburg, Wis.

Olivia Herrera recently opened Enchanted Alterations at 327 W. Water St. A professional seamstress with more than 18 years of experience, Herrera specializes in clothing alterations, repairs or custom construction.

“Nothing can surprise me when it comes to a (sewing) project,” Herrera said. “I’ve worked in bridal. I’ve worked in theater and in costume design. If it involves a needle and thread, I’m probably open to (working with) it.”

Herrera first learned about sewing from several family members who designed and sewed clothing for themselves and others. A young Herrera followed in their footsteps, and she said she quickly caught “the bug.”

She went on to get her bachelor’s degree in costume construction from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and later opened her own sewing business. That business was put on hiatus while she pursued another job in Florida, but she picked it back up after her recent move back to Wisconsin.

Her family last year relocated to Shullsburg, and she said the atmosphere of the downtown business district inspired her to launch a brick-and-mortar space. She opened her store in early January, and has been working since to connect with new customers.

“Everyone has been so kind. I’ve had people stop in just to say hello and get to know me, and that’s really what I wanted with settling down in a small town (like Shullsburg),” she said. “It feels like that dream is becoming a reality.”

Enchanted Alterations is open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit the Enchanted Alterations Facebook page or contact 608-588-6484.

Local beauty business goes brick-and-mortar

An Asbury, Iowa, entrepreneur is taking her business to a new brick-and-mortar location in Dubuque’s Cable Car Square.

Elite Organix by Take Over Cosmetics held its soft opening Saturday at 347 Bluff St. in the former Fig Leaf boutique space. The shop sells a variety of organic beauty products with a focus on skin and hair care.

“This will never feel like work to me because I get to talk about hair care and skin care all the time,” said owner Nicole Harvey. “It’s like being at a forever sleepover, and I want other people to feel that too.”

Harvey started Take Over Cosmetics as a home-based business in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, but her experience with natural beauty products goes back much further.

Harvey credits her interest in the field to her grandmother, who was known for making her own tinctures and ointments. Growing up with sensitive skin, Harvey said she has countless memories of sitting in her grandma’s kitchen to receive some of those home remedies.

Harvey began to make her own products as she grew up, and she eventually decided to launch a full-fledged business. She started the business out of her home and later traveled to regional vendor shows, but it soon became clear that she needed her own space.

“From the beginning, I’ve been doing everything out of my home, but as my sales increased I was running out of room to store all the different ingredients and products,” she said. “… Having a (physical) storefront means people will always know where to find me and that I have a space for all my products.”

Elite Organix will stock the full Take Over Cosmetics product line — which includes a variety of serums, scrubs, oils and other products — and the space can be reserved for pamper-focused parties or educational events

Harvey selected the Bluff Street space for its warm and inviting atmosphere, as well as its proximity to the Cable Car shopping district. She added that she will also use the space for customer consultations or to answer questions about her different products and services.

“The education piece is very important to me because if you don’t know what you’re doing wrong or how a product really works, then you can’t fix that problem,” she said. “My main goal is that everyone who comes to the store knows what they’re purchasing and how it works.”

Elite Organix is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A grand opening celebration is set for 11:30 a.m. Feb. 25 — Harvey’s birthday — and more information about the business can be found online at takeovercosmetics.com.