By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

A new business in Maplesville is working to promote local artisans.

Pixie Dust Boutique Owner Brenda Barker said she wanted the store to offer unique items.

“I wanted local artists and vendors from the area to have their stuff in here,” Barker said.

She chose the name because of the pixie dust in Peter Pan being magical and wants that feel for her items.

She said this is her second business, but the new ventures are very different.

“My last business was a thrift store. This time I wanted to do something different. It has to be new stuff or homemade stuff,” Barker said.

Barker said she is happy to be in business again because she enjoys working with people and being involved in the community.

“I would like to see Maplesville grow … I just want to see Maplesville popular again,” Barker said. “I just want to see Maplesville thrive.”

The boutique opened on Aug. 12. Baker said the snap jewelry and LuLaRoe clothing, sold by Connie Smith, are already popular items.

Barker said she first bought some snap jewelry for herself in Tennessee last year. When she opened the boutique, she ordered a shipment and it sold quickly.

The jewelry is highly customizable. Different designs or emblems are snapped into place on a silver bracelet or necklace and can be changed to have a more formal or casual look.

“It is just neat that you can change it out without changing out the base of the piece of jewelry,” Barker said.

Other unique items are available, including artistically designed wooden cutting boards, rolling pins, home decor, jewelry, Scentsy items ant The Guardian Prince: Ignition by Jeremy Atchison.

She has opened space in the boutique to local artists wanting a place to sell their work.

Kathleen McQueen Wright of Plantersville has some paintings for sale.

“She does excellent work,” Barker said.

Many of these vendors found her through her Facebook page and word-of-mouth.

“I have 16 vendors so far,” Barker said.

The 2,800 square-foot space gives her plenty of room to expand. Instead of charging a booth rent, Barker makes a commission of 25 percent on whatever the artist sells.

The boutique is located at 335 Railroad Street. Barker said the location became available when the auction closed. Wayne Arnold renovated the space in two months to make it meet her needs.

The Boutique is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.