BY: Betty Stack
Okay- so you are in the market for a prom or homecoming dress. Head on up Highway 81 in Powdersville and there you will find Valerie’s Treasure Chest. But folks this is not only a place for fancy dresses. You can also find casual apparel, dresses, bathing suits, jewelry or shoes. There are always sales and specialty items. Try it- if you are looking for something a bit different from the normal things on local racks, and you just may be happily surprised. In fact, Valerie Flynn knows this area well from raising a family here to serving and investing in others; this is her passion. For the past sixteen years, Valerie has maintained this presence, even through the dynamics of COVID, with innovative selling from the outside porch and online. Valerie hasn’t done this alone. She has the support and friendship, of the local strip shoppes, of Rita Tripp, the owner of the other specialty spot on the corner, “Front Porch Fixins”. Both ladies survived COVID and since Rita’s establishment offers essential items, it remained open and prosperous. Valerie relied on personal innovation and would face time customers with orders and treated everyone like family. This genuine passion went a long way towards serving the Powdersville and Piedmont communities at a time when everyone needed it most.
Therefore, these ladies have an obvious connection that goes beyond work. Both represent a genuine concern in providing locals and visitors with one-on-one shopping experiences, as well as an array of products and goods from the upstate itself. Rita Tripp said that “I was getting burned out with my regular job and decided that it was time for something else.” So, when the Powdersville area Council suggested more growth and business, it made sense for her to settle in on replacing the former rented floral space, with something of her own. In fact, the name for “Front Porch Fixins” comes directly from Rita’s childhood memories of Sunday afternoons spent after church at her late grandmother’s place. All the good things come from “the front porch”. This business began to help local establishments like Happy Cow Creamery and has grown to offer items from seasonable specialty gifts, including jewelry and household items, to a large refrigerated and frozen section offering seafood and cheeses, dips, and quiche. Rita’s husband Jerry Tripp owns the shoppes, and still maintains a local presence within the complex.
Sixteen years ago, Valerie’s Boutique began as a formal and affordable dress shop designed to help local girls involved in pageants and formal events have the same opportunities as others, to have quality gowns and accessories without exorbitant prices. Valerie’s has grown so much that she even offers a punch card worth $25.00 dollars towards any purchase, after five visits no matter what the item costs, a five-dollar credit is awarded. In fact, on June 10th an extraordinarily successful “Sip and Shop” was held at the boutique from 5-7:00pm.
Shoppers were offered wine, water and a selection of foodies ranging from fresh watermelon to cucumber sandwiches, charcuterie boards and caprese salad. In addition to the goodies certain items in Valerie’s shop were on sale and wrapped and bagged for customers. Stay tuned as more “Sip and Shop” events are in the works at various times and dates to accommodate everyone. Valerie states, “Fashion and giving back to the community is very important to me. It is my passion.” Well, Valerie Flynn your passion shows, as does Rita Tripp’s.
Take the time to learn more about this local area, former farmland and how the shoppes began. Shop for a special gift or shirt that you really want at “Valerie’s Boutique” or take your daughter or granddaughter or niece for a special time finding that formal dress and accessories. You may just find yourself a dress or outfit that you want as well. Why heck, you can even schedule a hair appointment, with Melissa Baldwin who maintains a space in Valerie’s boutique. You can even get your nails done with Heather, and there is even Wellness coaching available. Then walk on down to “Front Porch Fixins” and find that special housewarming or shower gift that someone needs. Treat yourself to a quiche for a quick lunch or supper and grab a jar of local honey in the back. You will be glad you did.
Rita and Valerie represent a certain “fabric” of the Powdersville community. Sit down and chat a minute if you like- one or both can fill in newcomers as to favorite restaurant spots and events. These ladies have seen the evolution of the area, increased traffic, new housing developments, and more Dollar Generals on every corner. So, if you want fancy candies from Hammonds, or need a wrapped and customized specialty item, visit their local stores. I guarantee you will be back. Y’all come back now- hear.
10205 Anderson Road (Highway 81)
Easley, South Carolina