Katie Shaver’s excitement over opening her very own business is a double dream come true.
Not only is she lucky to have the chance to express herself and her unique style through her ridiculously cute new boutique, Urbn Grl, she’s also immersing herself in the small business community, a venture she feels holds enormous possibilities!
Visit her brand new boutique on Burke Street – it opened mid-April – and you’ll be charmed by its Boho modern aesthetic. It’s a little bit rustic, with cool wood accents, nestling an eclectic collection of awesome tees, sunglasses, candles, purses, jewelry and supremely witty cards – a little bit of everything, and everything with its own unique personality.
You’ll immediately notice distinctive gifts, accessories and vinyl (yes, vinyl, and even a turntable), but there’s so much more behind her product choices. Think #grlpwr, and you’ll be channeling Katie’s plans.
“It’s cool, small and emerging brands,” said Katie. “I have always been a lover of cool, unique things that no one else has.”With a degree in fashion marketing and merchandising, Katie knows the nuances of blending style with what appeals to her target market – which she affectionately describes as the “everyday boss babe!” Just after graduating, she worked for a small woman-owned brand and immediately felt a connection to the difference she could make as a small business owner right here in Winston-Salem.
The instinct comes naturally as Katie’s parents, Art and Lori Shaver, own Mac & Nelli’s Restaurant, a local favorite in Winston-Salem. She was inspired at a young age to follow their lead and build her own business from the ground up, and she’s also passionate about small businesses in the area working together for the good of all.
Katie says it was literally love at first “site” as she knew immediately upon driving by the trendy Burke Street location – her store’s home – that it was perfect for the launch of Urbn Grl.
“This has always been my dream,” she said. “To see it come to life is empowering. It’s been a blast working with so many cool small businesses. Every day is like Christmas morning – opening new orders that come in!”
In a multitude of ways, she says seeing her dream come to life has been empowering.
“I believe in collaboration and not competition,” said Katie. “I am open to working with any business to promote growth for all.”
Much of the amazing inventory showcased in the new store is local – handmade goods from Forget Me Not Design Co., handmade coffin shelves and bookshelves from Witch Crafty Caitlin and Charmingly Cheeky Prints and Décor from Farm Girl Designs. Several brands are local to the Charlotte area, including out-of-this-world handmade porcelain from Powder Studio, fiber jewelry and modern art from Twenty Two West and one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry pieces from Mere. Other totally North Carolina vendors she plans to carry include Green Blanky of Brevard, North Carolina and Dirty Little Love Notes from Wilmington.
If you’re thinking like this writer, you’ll be stopping by to check out the “Good at Naps” throw – who doesn’t need one of those?
See what the buzz is all about by stopping in to meet Katie and glimpse her unique collection of seriously irresistible things. Urbn Grl is located at 908 Burke Street in Winston-Salem. Call 336.955.2303, or email Katie@urbngrl.com. Follow the boutique on Instagram and visit the website at Urbngrl.com. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 11am-7pm. The boutique is closed on Sunday and Monday.
