Open for Business: Inspired Boutique

Inspired Boutique
Not-for-profit Abilities First opened upscale resale shop Inspired Boutique on Oct. 27 at 230 S. Market St., in downtown’s College Station. Selling women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, antiques and home decor, Manager Ellie Widmer said the store creates employment for individuals with developmental disabilities and generates funds for services through Abilities First. Around the corner at 310 S. Campbell Ave., the parent company also operates Art Inspired, which contracts with businesses for document disposal services with the same mission. With general management by Jane Gordon, Widmer said Inspired Boutique employs three part-time workers and carries donated name brands, such as Coldwater Creek, Gap, Express and Ann Taylor. Generally sold for 20-30 percent of new retail prices, she said the store has Coach purses for $30-$50, Steve Madden boots for $60 and American Eagle jeans for $15. Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday. Phone: (417) 886-2007. Web: InspiredBoutiqueSGF.org

Discover Music LLC
Offering group and private piano lessons, Jennifer McAtee on Aug. 1 started Discover Music LLC at 3433 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. M, in Savannah Square. A former music teacher at Ozarks Technical Community College the last 13 years, McAtee leads classes of up to eight students, each equipped with digital Yamaha pianos and headphones hooked together to hear her instructions. McAtee said the concept merges social and private learning experiences without judgment. “You can turn the headphones on where they can play duets,” she said. Discover Music charges $100 for an eight-week session, and McAtee currently teaches six classes. She declined to disclose startup costs and lease terms. Hours: by appointment. Phone: (417) 425-9977. Web: DisoverMusicNow.com

The Clutter Cure
Sarah Watson started The Clutter Cure, a home-based professional organization company, on Oct. 31. Combating disorder in homes and offices, Watson handles residential moves, paperwork filings and senior downsizing, among other jobs. She started with pro bono jobs – a kitchen, closets and a pending house listing – to build her portfolio. With a fee structure in place, The Clutter Cure charges about $62 per hour, with packages ranging from two hours to 20 hours. A do-it-yourself package, for instance, includes a 30-minute walk through, needs assessment and organization plan, along with 30 days of support. Hours: by appointment. Phone: (417) 380-6141. Web: ClutterCure.org

Send new business info to sbj@sbj.net.