New clothing store opens
Posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
DECATUR ó The latest fashions from California can now be found in Decatur through a new business, Tiaís Closet.
The new boutique focuses on unique and beautiful clothing and shoes, including cocktail and prom dresses, bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and nightclub attire.
Many of the clothes in the small shop, formerly the Hilltop Drive-in, look like they belong in celebrity magazines. Stylish high-heeled shoes line the walls.
Glexy Pelt owns the store with her friend and business partner, Rosalva. Another friend travels to California to handpick the clothes. To ensure the clothes are unique and exclusive, a maximum of two shirts or dresses will be bought, but only if in different sizes.
The store also has a layaway program and bilingual customer service. Even though the boutique has a lot to offer, the prices are very reasonable, according to Pelt.
Pelt, who already owned La Mora Restaurant y Tienda (Restaurant and Store ), got the idea for the new business after taking a look around to see what Decatur didnít have. She also didnít see many of the kinds of shoes and clothing she liked at local department stores. Rosalva had owned a boutique in Springdale, and many of her clients were from Decatur, so the two decided to open the store together.
In the future, Pelt hopes to include a Salon in the shop. That way her customers will be able to find clothes for special occasions and get their hair and makeup done ó the total package.
Through her businesses, Pelt hopes to bring a little bit of everything to Decatur. Her restaurant and store are next door to the boutique and offer groceries, specialty items, check cashing and shipping services to Mexico and South America.
Pelt, originally from Venezuela, prepares Mexican, Salvadorian, Venezuelan and American food in her restaurant completely from scratch.
ì We try to please everybody, î Pelt said, ì If we have it, good. If we donít have it, weíll try to make it. î
The restaurant serves breakfast all day long, as well dishes like fajitas, popusas and tamales. She makes fresh fruit juice from papaya, cantaloupe, pineapple and mango every day and makes special soups on the weekend.
ì Everything is from scratch, nothing is from cans, î she said, ì We use real garlic, real jalepenos. î
Pelt said she also stays away from a lot of salt or fat in her food, but instead tries to bring out the natural flavors. ì When you eat beans, I want it to taste like beans, î she said.
In addition to a few basic grocery items and produce, her store carries specialty items for the Hispanic population. Many people prefer to use the laundry soap and shampoos they are familiar with, as well as candy and spices, Pelt said.
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