Any business owner is concerned about the bottom line and Candis Rosier, owner of Remixx, a new boutique in Roswell is no different. But her pre-occupation with profits is about more than her own financial gain. Rosier donates a percent of store profits to local charities that help teenage girls.
"We need to be more aware of social issues. I thought, how could I contribute in a not-so-in-your-face way that still impacts girls?" Rosier said. The answer is a lifestyle boutique that stocks everything from $14 home decor items to diamond jewelry priced in the thousands of dollars.
Fashion boutiques with philanthropic leanings have popped up around the country in recent years. An upscale designer boutique in San Francisco's Presidio Heights opened in 2008, while a limited run accessories boutique launched by two students from the University of North Carolina for academic credit is operating until May. Both stores give 100 percent of profits to select charities.
Rosier, the mother of a teenage daughter, works as a lifestyle manager for wealthy clientele who encouraged her to open the store as an outlet to give back. Talking to her daughter about many of the issues facing young girls compelled Rosier to focus on supporting those causes.
In addition to providing monthly monetary donations to several charities, Rosier maintains a Remixx closet at Jesse's House, an emergency shelter for Atlanta area youth. She fills the closet with basics such as T-shirts and shorts from Target, along with special items off the racks of Remixx.
"It is surprising how many stats are out there about kids being in a shelter," Rosier said. "Clothes make girls feel good. If you are dressed well, you have a certain outlook."
Fashion-wise, Rosier is a fan of layering, with much of the store merchandise reflecting what she calls "casual luxe." A gray knit dolman sleeve top by RYU, $84, pairs well with skinny black zipper cargo pants, $158, from DL1961. A single-shoulder Michelle Jonas dress with ruching goes for $155, while a tunic from Tikka Designs is $298.
Other brands include Hazel, Chan Luu and Joe's Jeans, though Rosier is less concerned about stocking certain brand names than providing a range of merchandise that reflect the store's mission. In a story that is now well-known among the fashion crowd, the founders of A Peace Treaty, one of the jewelry lines at Remixx, are a Pakistani Muslim and a Libyan Jew who donate proceeds to various charities in addition to working with village artisans.
Other jewelry lines, such as Jessica Matrasko and Unsurcing, of Paris, are only sold locally at Remixx, Rosier said. After losing her mother to diabetes in 2005, Matrasko launched her jewelry collection and regularly donates a percent of profits to several women's health organizations.
Remixx also sells home decor items such as candles by Volupsa and Antica Farmacista, as well as Sniff Pet Candles, a company that contributes a portion of profits to a coalition of animal rescue groups.
While Rosier stocks a range of new handbags including the leather and exotic skin creations from Parker Ochs, she also gives pre-loved bags new life. Balenciaga, Chanel, Chloe, and Mulberry are some of the brands on display. Many of the handbags are on consignment from Rosier's clients, who allow their portion of the sale to go to charity.
"Everyone wants a great bag at a bargain price," Rosier said. "It was another way to mix in high-end items without going overboard."
It's all very exciting for someone who said she never thought she would open a boutique. Rosier admits to being a shopping junkie, but she keeps her focus at Remixx on the ultimate goal.
"This isn't what I consider work," Rosier said. "This is a vehicle to do a lot of things in the community."
Remixx Lifestyle Emporium
1145 Woodstock Road, Roswell. Hours: 10 a.m. -- 7 p.m., Mon. -- Thurs.; 1 -- 5p.m., Sunday. 770-645-7888. remixxboutique.com
