News

‘The Future is Female’

By Dylan Marsh
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT — A new boutique focusing on feminine fashion has opened its doors in Claremont. This past weekend, Tangled Moose Boutique, the brainchild of Kelsea Gorey, Jessica Kinson and Lindsey Best, held its grand opening. Local interest and anticipation was evident in the show of support from customers on the brick and mortar location’s first day, where a large crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony at the boutique’s location at 30 Opera House Square.

“It was really nice, we had a lot of people show up,” said Best. The idea for the shop came from a collaboration of pre-existing businesses, Tangled Moose After Dark and Les Bella Boudoir, owned by Gorey and Kinson respectively. With handcrafted clothing designs from Gorey, displayed in two window displays out front, and an array of merchandise from ethically sourced businesses, the boutique boasts a beautiful selection of wares, such as gowns, pants, shirts, and undergarments.

According to Kinson,“It’s a really great combo.The girls can come here and get one of a kind fashion that makes them feel beautiful. Then they can come see me to have their photos taken.”

A few doors down the sidewalk stands Les Bella Boudoir, the brick and mortar storefront for Kinson’s other business, where she curates individually designed shoots for women, in what she calls an artistic expression with the goal of lifting women and raising their self esteem.Officially opened in 2020, Kinson has cultivated a large and loyal customer base.

The same can be said for Gorey’s Tangled Moose After Dark, a company she started from her home in 2014. Initially beginning with alterations and individual commissions, her products soon began to take over her home. This is where Best comes into the fold, with her childhood dream of owning her own boutique. The three of them would put their expertise together, and thus Tangled Bella Boutique was formed.

When speaking to the three women, the takeaway they want to express is the importance of female empowerment and body positivity. “I like to highlight the features that my clients like about themselves.” said Gorey of her creations. Clothing for people of all shapes and sizes are available at the store as well as on their website.

“It’s all about making the women feel beautiful and powerful. The future is female,” stated Kinson in regards to the business’ ultimate goal. In addition to the new business being completely women owned and operated, they also source their stock from women owned companies.

Opening the storefront has not come without its own difficulties, however. Due largely to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain issues have made it difficult for Gorey to receive the materials she needs to complete her projects. Tangled Bella Boutique has taken these difficulties in stride.

“We want to keep growing,” said Gorey when discussing their plans for the future. “Maybe take over the city,” joked Kinson.

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