Women’s Boutique Blossoms in New Space in Over-the-Rhine

Boutique Cala Transforms Space, Celebrates Permanent Location with Grand Opening Event

CINCINNATI (September 3, 2021) – A women’s boutique that started as a temporary space recently became a permanent fixture on the 1300 block of Vine Street, and the owner is celebrating her new home with a Grand Opening event this Saturday, September 4 from noon-6 p.m.

Boutique Cala began as a popup shop at 1321 Vine Street over the winter holiday at the end of 2020, and by February 2021, owner Amanda Miller knew she wanted to make the 645 square-foot space a permanent one for her boutique.

Testing the space on a temporary basis was important to Miller to ensure OTR would be a successful neighborhood for the new boutique. Prior to signing a lease, Miller said she and her landlord, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) discussed other potential spaces, before ultimately agreeing that Boutique Cala staying at 1321 Vine Street was the best fit.

After a few months in her Vine Street space, Miller is more-than pleased with her decision. Neighboring businesses have been incredibly supportive, offering advice on how to draw customers and making her feel like she’s really part of the community.

“The new space means more to me than I realized it would,” Miller said. “It’s not just achieving a lifelong dream of having a career as an artist and owning my own business. I feel like I’ve conquered the impossible. It’s a bit surreal seeing my art displayed in my storefront and knowing I did that.”

Opening a shop in the midst of a pandemic was difficult, but Miller also had to design the space while still being able to make sales. She wanted to keep the shop open during renovations, creating a sort-of live art show where repeat customers and passersby could see the shop’s transformation, which features Miller’s self-hung shelving installations. Miller intentionally designed the shop to be a low-sensory environment to accommodate her son, who is autistic, as well as other parents who may be experiencing similar concerns when looking for a place to shop.

“I’ve become brutally aware of the lack of inclusion and accommodations for sensory individuals, as well as the desperate need for it,” Miller said.

Inside the shop, Boutique Cala’s customers can expect to find boho chic home décor, handmade jewelry and quality clothing brands. In addition to offering quality clothing items and jewelry created by local artists, Boutique Cala also plans to offer DIY macrame workshops for those interested.

“I want people to walk in Boutique Cala and smile,” Miller said. “As cheesy as it sounds, that’s been my inspiration behind the design of the shop as well as the products I’m sourcing.”

As part of the grand opening celebration, visitors can sip-and-shop with free wine offered from the boutique while they peruse new items. Additionally, guests who stop in will receive special discounts, including 20% off handbags and 15% off clothing.

“We continue to see retail establishments grow and thrive in this Vine Street business district, and we’re excited to add Boutique Cala to the area,” Lindzie Gunnels, Senior Commercial Leasing Officer for 3CDC, said. “We want Vine Street to be a vibrant, active shopping destination, and adding more unique and creative retailers like Boutique Cala helps us work toward that goal.”

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