Janica Wright
Janica Wright grew up thrifting. Shopping for affordable pieces made economic sense for her family, and she never minded secondhand.
“We’ve always been thrift store, consignment people,” she said. “You can get the same quality or better for a much better price.”
But for Wright, cutting back on spending never meant sacrificing fashion. Oftentimes, it actually meant the opposite. She could find unique pieces that might not be on-trend in stores, but fit her style and made a statement.
“Knowing I can walk into a place and know that no one has this is really cool,” Wright said.
That feeling is one that Wright wants to share with people through her new shop, Jay’s Boutique on N. 6th Street. The small shop recently opened in November and sits just outside Harrisburg, in Susquehanna Township.
In February, Wright began selling thrifted finds online with the goal of opening a storefront. Her new space is snug, but it’s the perfect size for her blossoming business, she explained.
Jay’s Boutique offers all of the best parts of thrifting to shoppers—the affordability, one-of-a-kind items and sustainability benefits. But here, you don’t have to sort through bins of unorganized secondhand items, scan dozens of racks or get overwhelmed by shelves of knickknacks and accessories arranged by color. Wright takes all of the stress out of the shopping experience by scouring the stores for the best pieces and whittling them down to a manageable, yet substantial collection.
“Let me do the hard work for you,” Wright said.
Jay’s caters to women’s fashion, including everything from casual to professional to formal wear. In addition to clothing, she sells shoes, purses, belts, jewelry, sunglasses and other accessories.
Unlike many boutiques, Wright makes it her mission to stock a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes and larger shoe sizes.
When a customer visits the boutique, Wright is available to help with styling tips and suggestions. She hopes to provide high-end pieces at affordable prices and show women that they don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for quality outfits.
Wright’s full-time job is in management at a pediatric dental clinic. She’s found that the people skills needed for that position have helped her when interacting with customers at her new business.
To continue to engage customers beyond the typical shopping experience, she plans to host ladies night events and other in-store experiences. She also offers styling services to help clients plan outfits for special events.
“I’m a big fan of quality experiences,” she said. “Those are impactful.”
Just as Wright has been able to gain confidence and find her unique style through thrifting, she’s ready to help other women do the same.
“Over the years, I’ve learned to be myself and wear what makes me confident,” she said. “I want to help others feel confident in their own skin.”
Jay’s Boutique is located at 3525 N. 6th St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their Instagram @jaysboutiquepa.
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