Shay Leslie Boutique
By Rebecca Cross
I felt like a kid in a candy store as I walked into Shay Leslie Boutique on Main Street. The beautiful window display peaked my interest and drew me in to examine the fall colored fabrics and sparkling accessories that owner Kathy Mundon has beautifully arranged to sell in her shop. Kathy has been in business with Shay Leslie for 16 years and has previously been located on both Griffin and Water Street, but on March 8, she opened at 613 E. Main Street and says, “This is my favorite place!”
Shay Leslie carries women’s fashion including dresses, jeans, sportswear collections, accessories and shoes. The brands that she features includes Suzi Chin Dresses, Van Eli Shoes, Brighton jewelry, eye wear and belts, JAG jeans, sportswear from Tribal and Elliott Loren fashion separates. They carry sizes from 2 to 16 and small to Extra Large. Kathy has always had an interest in and passion for fashion. In High School her interest in fashion design led her to work evenings and weekends in small boutiques in the area where she grew up in Morehead City, NC. She and her husband moved to Elizabeth City in 1982 and bought the Marina Restaurant from her mother-in-law. When Waterworks developed on the downtown waterfront she saw it as a great opportunity to open her own boutique shop. Main Street in Elizabeth City is the best place for Shay Leslie, according to Kathy, and she calls it “home”. “I feel like I’m a part of the ‘hub’. There are lots of people strolling by every day”, she explained. Kathy is very thankful for her loyal clientele and she has people stop in from places like Edenton, Hertford, Virginia, and even those who come in for a day trip from the beach to see the museum, arts center and have some lunch downtown.
Kathy’s goal is to offer great customer service so that clients will come back and know that they are getting quality that will last. “Personal service has always been a something I’ve prided myself in, so that people feel comfortable and at home and receive the proper attention,” she says. “I will always be honest with a person and try to help them find things that work well for them, as well as update their current wardrobe.” Kathy wants clients to be able to find things that are unique in her shop, and, fabric is very important to her as well. “It has to feel good on your body,” she says. Her fashion touches on trends, but she doesn’t want to go too deep into trends so that you can wear her clothing for years. The longevity of an item makes it a good investment.
Working alongside Kathy is Lorelle Staples. She began working part time for Shay Leslie in July. They are very happy with the partnership and have a lot of fun. Lorelle told me that “It’s just like Christmas when our packages come!” Kathy said that she is glad to have another creative force to help with displays and the layout of the store.
Kathy also gives back to her community. One example is the “Welfare to Work” Program that she once participated in where people brought in their gently used clothing to donate to people on welfare who were trying to get on their feet and back to work. Those who donated clothing received a discount toward a store purchase at Shay Leslie. The Boutique is also creating a Facebook Page to do fashion blogs complete with pictures. Kathy wants to help people open their minds to other fashion options and encourage them to try new things. Shay Leslie Boutique is located at 613 E. Main Street and their hours are Monday through Friday 10am-5:30pm and Saturday 10am to 5:00pm (closed on Sundays). For more information please call 331-2550 or email shayleslie02@yahoo.com.