Blessings Boutique owners Tawnya and Dennis Shaffer have opened a presence in their hometown of Van Wert.
Courtesy of Tawnya Shaffer
VAN WERT — A locally owned, small business is eager for its next step in Van Wert after it opens Friday.
Appearing on the scene in May 2023 in Shipshewana, Indiana, Blessings Boutique is opening its second location, and its first brick-and-mortar store, at 229 S. Washington St., Van Wert.
Tawnya and Dennis Shaffer, Van Wert residents, are the rightful owners of Blessings Boutique.Tawnya is excited about the opportunity to consistently serve the local community.
“We’ve had a presence in the community popping up or attending festivals, just not a constant presence,” she said.
The boutique offers women’s and children’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, gifts and decor items.
The couple felt confident about beginning their business venture after discovering space was available in the Shipshewana flea market. As repeat guests, the Shaffers knew the flea market well.
“We knew about the flea market. We’d been going there for a while and just thought it’d be a good opportunity to have customers from all over,” Tawnya said.
It didn’t take long for the Van Wert community to persuade the Shaffers to open a shop back home in the surrounding area.
After testing the market, finding a place for their business and having enough people to support them, the Shaffers decided to pursue an opportunity in their hometown.
“This is our home. This is where we really want to be,” she said.
The business strives to give back to the community.
A Christian organization, the boutique gives 10% back to ministries that help women who are incarcerated or coming out of addiction.
“Our goal is to bless people as best as we can,” she said.
Blessings Boutique will have extended hours for is grand opening days.
The hours for Friday, Sept. 20 will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 21 will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Regular operating hours will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tawnya mentioned a website is on the horizon. For the time being, alerts and deals are shared via their Facebook page, bit.ly/47vRTCM.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
