By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
Elevate your style in downtown Hays with Azalea Avenue Boutique, a new women's clothing store with a range of options.
The boutique, 110 W 11th St., opened its second location since its founding in 2017 on Saturday.
Owner Merry Walt said her journey began at home when she sketched fashion designs and worked with a limited clothing inventory.
"I started this seven years ago with three shirts out of my basement," Walt said. "I was in the middle of quitting an old job when I was like, 'I'm gonna do it.'"
Starting online, the clothing store moved to Quinter before relocating to 117 N. Main St. in WaKeeney.
On June 1, its newest location had a grand opening celebration with the mission to help the women of Hays look their most fashionable.
Walt said what distinguishes Azalea Avenue in the Hays area is its modern clothing style and focus on catering to women in their 30s and 40s.
With a passion for fashion, Walt said she looks to guide women during challenging times and motherhood.
"In the midst of raising children, we forget ourselves and who we are," she said. "You can be a mom, and you can be stylish."
The boutique offers a range of styles, from business casual to summer outfits, everyday wear, and clothing suitable for before and after pregnancy.
Azalea Avenue in Hays features exclusive denim brands not found at its Quinter location or anywhere else in Hays.
The clothing store offers an extensive selection of accessories and apparel, such as dresses, bags, boots, curved tops and bottoms with sizes ranging from small to 3XL.
"Because there's multiple amazing clothing stores downtown, I think it's going to draw more women," Walt said. "I think they're gonna really enjoy a Saturday morning with us."
After its opening week, Azalea Avenue will have special hours and promotions in conjunction with Brew on the Bricks on June 15 and the Wild West Festival from July 3 to 6.
Having helped countless women so far, Walt looks to do the same in Hays with her second of many store locations that have yet to come.
"We're really excited to be in Hays to expand and inspire more women and help them with their fashion," she said.
Walt plans to grow her business with a Salina location by 2025 while establishing a presence in Lawrence, Lenexa, Garden City and beyond.
Between her Hays and WaKeeney stores, Walt said she maintains her managing role with some assistance.
"A little bit of coffee and a whole lot of Jesus," she said.
Walt's Hays location resides in the former building of Brick's Rockin' BBQ. She and her husband discussed expansion a year before its renovation and opening while eating there.
Azalea Avenue Boutique in Hays is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and its WaKeeney location is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
You can join Azalea Avenue Boutique's VIP group or follow the store on Facebook.