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Cathy Allred
Gigi Khatchadourian had a vision more than a decade ago, and today she has finally seen her dream come to pass.
She is the proud and happy owner of her own store.
"This has been in the making probably a very long, long time ago," Khatchadourian said. "Twelve years ago I had a vision, but it was more of a baby store."
Instead, she opened a store for women providing beautiful quality products at a price everyday women can afford, said Khatchadourian. Named Gitalia Boutique, the lovely little shop is tucked away in a series of shops along the beginnings of Main Street on 383 South.
Little on the outside, it's packed with a colorful cornucopia of bags, jewelry, home decor, sunglasses, fine gift boxes, hand puppets.
Her husband, Mo Khatchadourian, helped create the name of the store, a blend of the first two letters of her name "Gi" and "Italia" for Italy.
"Italy, because most of the fashion comes from Italy," Gigi Khatchadourian said.
Exotic and fashionable, the items range from $10-45. Affordable prices and special promotions are part of the appeal of Gitalia Boutique which is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fresh water pearls, turquoise gemstone, acrylic, wood and shell necklaces, bracelets and earrings reflect the earth tones and rainbow hues found in the buttery-soft leather bags at the store.
Khatchadourian loves bags and they are the featured item of her shop. Bags are everywhere -- satchels, tote, hobo, drawstring, classic.
Each design draws on the inspiration of leading fashion bags.
In addition, there are Italian leather briefcases, back packs, suitcases and duffel bags.
Gitalia Boutique staff can also custom order a bag for customers. Most prominent in her shop are the giraffe prints in lime green, orange, pink, lemon yellow and sky blue. Set along the back wall, they provide a cheery greeting to visitors who come to peruse the richly decorated boutique.
Khatchadourian loves bags, and her family knows it.
"Omigosh ... I bet I have 20 bags in my closet," she says and smiles. "My husband says he's going to move me downstairs if I bring home anymore."
More on Gitalia Boutique can be found at www.gitaliaboutique.com.
Gitalia Boutique sells bags, jewelry, decor and more |
