The Coshocton County Beacon December 4, 2019 | Page 5

Bexley Ann’s Boutique has grand opening By Beth Scott [email protected] COSHOCTON – Bexley Ann may only be six months old, but her name is already famous in Downtown Coshoc- ton. Bexley’s grandmother, Jessie Bates, has been selling infant and children’s clothing in Coshocton since June and recently opened her own clothing store on Main Street. Bexley Ann’s Boutique officially opened on Fri- day, Nov. 22. “I was a manager at a clothing boutique in Cam- bridge, and my boss also owns one in Coshocton,” said Bates. “I approached her about selling kids’ clothing multiple times and she always said no, but this time, I approached her in a different way. I asked her if I could start selling my own line of kids’ clothing in her stores.” Bates began selling her own line of infant and chil- dren’s clothes because she was frustrated at the lack of quality of infant and children’s clothing she saw in other stores. In addition to the store in Coshocton, she also sells in stores in Cambridge at Ellie’s Cottage, Gnaden- hutten at Village Gift Shoppe, New Philadelphia at The Gift Market, and Millersburg at The Jenny Wren. Bates had her clothing line available at Apple Butter Stirrin’ last October where she met a lot of people. “I met a lot of people who had no idea I had my clothes in a boutique here in Coshocton,” said Bates. “So, once I knew there was a need, I decided to go for it and open my own store here in Coshocton.” Once Bates knew she wanted to open her own store, she and her son-in-law and daughter started looking Beth Scott | Beacon Six-month-old Bexley Ann has a store named after her. Bexley Ann’s Boutique opened on Main Street in Coshoc- ton on Friday, Nov. 22. at buildings up and down Main Street to try to find the perfect place. Bates’ hairdresser told her that Sheree’s Salon and Spa had a place open beside of their business, and as soon as Bates saw it, she knew it was the right place for her. “As soon as I looked in the window and saw it, I texted Olivia, which is Amy’s [owner of the building] daughter, and I said, can you give me your mom’s number?” said Bates. “I was really excited. Even the color of the walls was perfect. They were purple, which is the color of the clothing tag of the Bexley Ann’s clothing line. I didn’t know this at the time, but Amy has always wanted to have a boutique in here.” Bexley Ann’s Boutique offers baby clothes from new- born to size seven. They also have sleepers, shoes, bows, teething necklaces, pacifier clips, children’s purses and necklaces, knee socks and tights, mommy and me matching outfits, and a small collection of women’s clothing and home décor. She is also selling wreaths made by one of her employees. “I was trying to come up with a name for the clothing line and I thought Bexley Ann was perfect,” said Bates. “I love her name. I just thought it was beautiful.” Another unique aspect of Bates’ business is she has a play area for children who come shopping with their moms or caregivers. “I want them to look forward to coming in here,” said Bates. “I want them to have a place to play while their mom is shopping.” Bexley Ann’s Boutique is open Monday through Sat- urday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They also have a Facebook page and are on Instagram. They will be running sales and promotions throughout the year. Free College for Eligible Coshocton County Residents COTC Coshocton Promise Learn more at: 740.622.1408 go.cotc.edu/promise 0029_071719 DECEMBER 4, 2019 www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com THE BEACON 5