Becca Carl took over co-ownership of Vintage Grace Boutique in Washington in August 2022.
Vintage Grace Boutique opened in 2017, but when the previous owners moved, it became Becca Carl’s dream come true.
Carl has worked in retail for as long as she can remember, serving as general manager and market trainer for a high-end beauty company in Pittsburgh.
She and the previous shop owner shared a similar aesthetic and vision for fashion and beauty, so when they decided to sell, they approached Carl and her wife Carole.
“We had looked into owning a boutique three different times in the past 15 years, and this time, it was right. I quit my job and we took ownership of Vintage Grace in August of 2022,” Carl said.
The boutique features “boho edgy” fashionable pieces in size extra small to 3X, but it’s likely the atmosphere customers remember the most.
“I think the first thing everyone says is they can feel the positive energy here. We are size inclusive but it’s really about helping someone with their confidence,” Carl said. “For me, it’s not just about the clothes.”
She loves the connection that comes from shopping small and is careful when selecting products for her store.
“I spend a lot of time curating collections. I have a little focus group of customers I listen intently to, and I’m looking at fit, fabric; how it performs and how it feels on your skin,” Carl said. “I know what to look for now and have tried and true brands.”
Carl recalls her mother, an accomplished seamstress, being able to immediately gauge someone’s size and what fit would flatter them most. Helping women in fashion and beauty comes naturally to her, and she enjoys finding that perfect piece for the customer’s needs.
“It’s just in my blood. I believe beauty is from the inside out. Whether you’re working with makeup, hair or clothes, those things are just a conduit to what you already have in you,” Carl said.
The Army veteran is also a big proponent of small and local business support, even before owning her own boutique.
She makes her own jewelry and custom hats and works with local female business owners to bring in other selections of accessories.
“Small businesses are people living their dream, and that’s really how we became who we are as a country. You’re missing out by going through a big box store,” Carl said. “I’m all about collaboration, and it’s great because I’m the first person to admit I don’t know how to work with leather, so I bring in a woman who is an artisan and works with leather.”
Vintage Grace also offers gift giving options, custom baskets and event or private party rental.
“I can make anything into a gift collection. It’s like a style box. Maybe you choose a handbag, jewelry, a candle or a book. I purchase small wine bottles from one of our local wineries so we can add that in there,” Carl said. “My goal is to offer every price point and something for everyone.”
Vintage Grace Boutique is located at 900 Wildflower Circle, Suite 908 in Washington.
Carl can also be found at many local women’s events and community festivals with a mobile mini boutique.
Visit https://www.vintagegraceboutique.com/ for more information.
