A unique boutique experience at affordable prices is coming to Seneca Falls with the grand opening of Ashia’s Closet on Saturday, November 18.
Located at 36 Water Street, the new store offers a range of products including new and gently-used clothing for all ages, shoes, jewelry, purses, and accessories.
The opening event promises light refreshments and a special raffle featuring a “Pampering Yourself” basket, filled with self-care items.
The store’s décor features a purple theme, symbolizing peace, courage, survival, honor, and dedication to domestic violence awareness.
Ashia’s Closet holds a special significance in the community, as it is named in memory of Ashia, a local teacher from the Geneva City School District and victim of domestic violence.
This store is a tribute to her life and aims to raise awareness about domestic abuse. It was in November 2020 when the Waterloo community faced the tragic loss of Ashia.
In her honor, a local Girl Scout troop, which included her daughter, organized a clothing drive project to support the Waterloo women’s shelter, earning them a bronze award.
The store is the brainchild of Sarah Smolinski, a friend of Ashia for a decade and a local Girl Scout leader.
Smolinski, who received a Seneca Falls Microenterprise grant in September 2023, aims to make the store sustainable within its first year and then transition it into a 501(c)3 nonprofit to support Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes.
This organization offers confidential services to those affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse, or human trafficking.
Initially run by volunteers to minimize costs, Ashia’s Closet plans to introduce a reward program for frequent shoppers. The store will operate Tuesday to Saturday, with varied opening hours, and remain closed on Sundays and Mondays.
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