Another new business is set to open in downtown Hamilton next month. Shol’s Boutique, a contemporary women’s clothing store, will open its doors at 7 Lebanon Street on March 1.

In the fall of 2018, the space was vacated when Stephanie Crawford, longtime owner of Steph Boutique, moved to California to spend more time with her family.

According to owner Shole Strand, the new boutique will feature clothing from brands including BB Dakota, Free People, Olive & Oak, Three Dots and Gentle Fawn. Shol’s will also sell accessories from Pixie Mood, a Canadian company known for its vegan leather handbags and small goods.

“My goal is to bring quality fabrics in classic and fun styles that both college age girls and their stylish mothers will love,” Strand said.

The opening of Shol’s Boutique comes at a moment of revision and renovation for Hamilton. Since 2018, the town has seen the closings of such restaurants as La Iguana, N13 and No. 10 Tavern.

In these spaces, Broad Street Diner, Friends & Pho and FoJo Beans have opened, respectively. Of the town’s new openings, Shol’s is the only retail store.

“I’m really looking forward to having a new place to shop downtown,” sophomore Amelia Goodloe said.

Retail is fairly new—though not entirely foreign—to Strand. The mother of two has 14 years of experience in graphic design and marketing, and previously owned and operated a paddle-board company in the Finger Lakes. Strand said that fashion, however, is her passion.

“From a young age I’ve always been obsessed with clothes. My mom said the laundry got out of control, as I would change my outfit multiple times a day,” Strand said. “When asked what I wanted to be, it was always a vet or a fashion designer.”

Strand said she is looking forward to meeting the members of the Colgate and Hamilton communities in her store. The boutique will host a grand opening event on Friday, March 1, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Afterward, the store will be open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Contact Mara Stein at [email protected].