Yes….that’s her real name. Her dad’s last name is Wood, he thought it was fitting to name his daughter Holly, since she was born on Halloween.
There’s a new store in town, The Strange Boutique, located at 19 Main Street in Blairstown. The original boutique was located on Route 94 in Marksboro. When the store front became available on Main Street, Wood decided to move.
The name of her store was inspired by her favorite band, The Doors, and their album Strange Days. The name “strange days” was already taken, so Wood went with “The Strange Boutique,” incorporating up-cycled clothing and shoes into her gift shop. Wood can make custom clothing designed and rendered by her in a stitch!
She opened just in time for Jingle on Main, Blairstown’s popularly attended community event.
“This town has welcomed me into the community,” Wood said. “I like to support creativity, offering artists a space to show and sell their work. Stop by, there is always something new.”
Wood is a mom of two young children with her partner Manny. Manny has been supportive of their family and The Strange Boutique business.
The Strange Boutique is having a weekend Valentine’s Day event on Saturday, Feb. 11 held at the Masonic Lodge from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Main Street location. On Saturday, there will be 35 vendors selling a variety of hand crafted items. There will be clothing, crystals, flower arrangements, collectibles, handmade items and desserts.
Just to name a few of the vendors, Lunar Leos will be selling their own blends of botanical body oils. Beaded Boho has handmade resin and clay jewelry and for the animal lovers, Woof and Glow will be selling handcrafted non-toxic candles and other pet gifts.
Wood will have a DIY booth where shoppers can make a craft from recycled canvas and wood. All proceeds will go to the local animal shelter.
Sunday, Feb. 12, The Strange Boutique will open its doors showcasing Valentine’s Day vendors. Arts of a Goldfire will be selling home décor and jewelry; Sunny Vibe will be selling crystals; Shop Sable, another Main Street store, will be selling jewelry. Abundant Love Products, Ridge View Echo’s business spotlight in Issue 25, will be selling beautiful painted glass. Stop by and meet Wood and her friends.
Wood has been studying intuitive tea reading for many years, she offers tea readings in the store. Clients pick from several organic loose tea blends and after drinking the tea, Wood channels the reading. She offers private parties for tea readings and also private shopping parties.
Wood grew up learning about stones and crystals when she was a child.
“My dad always had an altar in our home with a stone grid, dragons and towers. It was a new age environment,” Wood explained.
The store is decorated with her collection of 11 dragons displayed discreetly about. See if you can find them.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a sign of good luck and protection.
“I started my business during the pandemic, after the birth of my daughter Hazel,” Wood said. “I began selling online. I always wanted to have my own store selling all the things I love.”
She plans to have workshops once a month. Check out her Facebook page and Instagram account. For more information, call her at 201-508-7263 or e-mail at thestrangeboutiquenj@gmail.com. The Strange Boutique’s hours are Wednesday through Friday, 1 p.m.to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
MB Journe, Contributing Writer
My name is Marybeth Journe, I feel blessed to be living in this part of New Jersey. I have enjoyed this community taking advantage of the lakes and woods. Always supporting the local businesses that make this my home. As a local artist myself, I know many of our residence if not by name, at least by sight. I feel comfortable interviewing others. I have worked for The Paulinskill Valley Chronical where I provided articles, photographs and billing. I consider myself an artist, journalist, naturalist, gardener and a teacher for the YMCA Camp Mason. I look forward to the work ahead
