Moondance Boutique holds ribbon cutting
COLUMBIANA — What began as a dream during a beach vacation between two friends has become the first business to open in the new Firestone Farms Town Center.
A ribbon cutting marked the official welcome for Moondance Boutique, the dream of Peggy Cosma Christy and Melinda Lipply Kinser. The two women spoke about their vision for the business, which they hope will help make women feel as beautiful on the outside as they are on the inside.
Although there was nothing inside the business on Friday except some lavender paint samples on the walls, the business plans to welcome its first customers with an official grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 4 to 9 p.m. Shoppers on that night can enjoy free gift wrapping, refreshments, commemorative free gifts while they last and grand opening specials with a chance to win a $250 shopping spree.
The new owners said they hope to offer a relaxing atmosphere where women can come and enjoy the shopping experience, picking out stylish items which will help them feel confident and successful.
Christy said when they came up with the concept for their business, the women were uncertain where it would be located, but are both delighted to be able to call Columbiana home to their boutique. Both women have lived in the Mahoning Valley, neighbors for more than 30 years.
Prior to the ribbon cutting, Tom Mackall, the developer for Firestone Farms Town Center, said he is certain Harvey Firestone, a billionaire in his time, would be excited to see the potential in the business location and the venture the two women are opening there.
Mayor Bryan Blakeman also thanked Mackall for having the foresight to invest in the Columbiana community and both Mackall and the owners of the new business for taking the risk to bring the business to Columbiana. He credited these new ventures in helping Columbiana to grow.
Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce President Virginia Perkins pledged the chamber will do whatever it can to help welcome new business to the community.
Following the grand opening on Dec. 15, the store’s hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17; noon to 7 p.m. on Dec. 18; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 19 through Dec. 23; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 24. The business will be closed on Christmas.
djohnson@mojonews.com