Talking Business: First and Elm Boutique is the latest venture for the true sisters of Kalma Local business

In early August, First and Elm Boutique reopened under new owners, Taryn Nelson and Emory Storedahl, co-owners of RE/MAX Results Real Estate.

“It was a fun adventure for us because it was something new,” Nelson said.

The sisters bought the building in May with no intention of taking over the clothing store, which originally opened in September 2021, Nelson said. After learning former owner Charlene O’Neil couldn’t stay open for personal reasons, they purchased the boutique, Nelson said.

“Emory and I respect small businesses and businesses in Calama and we didn’t want to see them close,” she said.

The sisters bought O’Neil’s inventory, then closed the shop for a few weeks to add to the mix painting, decorating and ordering more items in their own style. First and Elm reopened on August 3.

Picking up new items for the store is “like buying in bulk for ourselves,” Nelson said. The boutique is stocked with clothes and accessories the sisters find unique and fun, as well as some bath and body items like soaps, candles and bath salts, Stordahl said.

“We hope to have something for everyone in here,” she said.

Nelson said boutique shopping has become more popular over the past few years compared to shopping at a department store. More people are visiting local stores in smaller quantities for more specialty items, she said.

As the only clothing store in Kalama, the boutique adds to the downtown shopping options for residents and visitors, Stordahl said.

“Kalama is a great city to visit and the diverse shopping district adds to that appeal,” she said.

In the first two weeks since reopening, the store has seen a pretty good mix of locals and tourists, Nelson said. Adding to the stock every week helps keep it fresh, she said.

“We’re having fun with it,” Nelson said. It was great to visit with people.

Taking over the store went smoothly, and the O’Neill sisters helped connect them with wholesale companies, general supplies and equipment. Nelson and Stordahl hired Josie Gallagher to work mostly at the store. Because Gallagher loves working at the store and is passionate about it, she “keeps it simple,” Nelson said.

Although the store has only been open for two weeks, they’ve gotten good feedback and returning customers, Nelson said.

“We appreciate being part of the community and the fact that business people enjoy coming here,” she said. “It will be an interesting project for us.”