Women’s Boutique Opens to Public on Vine Street

Boutique Bellini Newest Tenant in 3CDC’s Perseverance Project

CINCINNATI (September 23, 2021) – Another new women’s apparel shop has opened on Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine, as Boutique Bellini recently opened its doors to the public. Owner Aleasha Smith has moved into her first brick-and-mortar space after outgrowing her mobile fashion truck. In 2018, Smith turned a Little Debbie delivery truck into a mobile fashion boutique, where she was able to attend outdoor shopping events and provide drive-up service for home shopping parties.

Located at 1513 Vine Street in a 580-square-foot space, Boutique Bellini is the second tenant in the recently completed Perseverance project, a collaboration between Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) and Over-the-Rhine Community Housing (OTRCH) that resulted in 32 affordable apartment units and 6,700 square feet of street-level commercial space.\

Smith signed a lease for the space in early August and quickly began working to get the business open. She adorned the space with concrete accents to offset the dusty pink, gold and white color palette visitors will find throughout.

Boutique Bellini is the curated vision of a fashion industry veteran. Smith has worked in styling and fashion merchandising before eventually starting her own mobile boutique. She curates her selection of women’s clothing and accessories by attending fashion markets throughout the year, so everything offered is fresh and new. Attending markets in person allows her to better select what fits her brand based on quality and texture, so she can ensure shoppers are receiving a good product.

Smith still has her fashion truck so she can select items from her new storefront and offer them in mobile form for Girls’ Nights and special events like outdoor markets. Smith says she’s beyond excited to take Boutique Bellini to the next level.

“I’m thrilled to be opening my first brick-and-mortar store in Over-the-Rhine,” Smith said. “The neighborhood has such a distinctive charm and is filled with small business owners like me who are living out their dream.”

While the shop is now open to the public, there will be a Bellinis and Fashion event held Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Guests can enjoy complimentary bellinis and 15% off regularly priced items. Additionally, there will be a 50% off end-of-season section during the event.

“We’re always looking for up-and-coming retail tenants who are ready to take the next step in their business, so we’re thrilled to be partnering with Aleasha Smith as she grows from her mobile fashion truck to her first brick-and-mortar space with Boutique Bellini,” Lindzie Gunnels, Senior Commercial Leasing Officer for 3CDC, said.

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