By Logan B. Anderson

NEW CASTLE — Mutually Yours Boutique & Consignment doesn’t want you to go shopping, it wants you to go styling.

The shop recently opened its doors in New Castle — off Churchmans Road, near Hares Corner — to provide an affordable and uniquely personal experience.

It sells new and used fashion pieces for women and men, along with customized services designed to find customers exactly what they need.

“We are a small boutique. We specialize in new and pre-loved high-quality merchandise. I call it pre-loved because the items were once loved by someone,” said Mutually Yours’ owner Christinette Dixon.

To supplement her inventory, Ms. Dixon purchases new items from select retailers and manufacturers.

“Some things are new that I bought from other small businesses. That keeps us all in business,” she said.

What sets Mutually Yours apart from other fashion retailers is that it offers in-home consultations, focusing on what a client already has and what his or her wardrobe needs.

“It’s called ‘shop your closet,’” Ms. Dixon said.

“Everyone has a lot of clothes in their closet. And they usually only wear maybe 10 things out of it constantly. But you have about 30 pieces in there. So what I help you do is literally shop your closet.”

Before Ms. Dixon goes to a client’s home, they have a brief discussion.

“You pull out your favorite pieces, … and we list and look at your favorite colors, your favorite style. And then from there, we go and pick out some accessories that you would be able to use. And if there’s some pieces that you’re missing, I can bring those pieces from the store. And you can accessorize and fill in the gaps where you need it,” she said.

The experience is not about shopping to fill a closet but styling a wardrobe to fit needs, she noted.

While reviewing clients’ wardrobes, Ms. Dixon can also evaluate pieces that could make them some money. She will sell them on consignment, which means the owner of the item gets a percentage of the sale if and when it’s purchased.

Consigners don’t have to be customers, and Ms. Dixon allows individuals to sell up to 15 preapproved items in her store and on her website, mutuallyyoursboutique.com.

Unlike other consignment stores, she does not charge an application fee to sell items with Mutually Yours.

The boutique began its consignment service with handbags.

“So far, things are moving. That’s a good thing. People like handbags, especially when you get good ones at an affordable price,” Ms. Dixon said.

A dream from a nightmare

Ms. Dixon said opening a boutique and helping people find their style has always been a dream.

But the timing of her new venture developed from a nightmare shared by many.

“When the pandemic hit, I was laid off,” she said. “I couldn’t find a job, and my husband said, ‘You’ve been planning to do this when you retire, (so) do it now.’”

Once she decided to start a business and began looking for a location, she came across Perfect Word Ministries, a church that operates in the building where her store is now located.

“The church offered me this retail space, this rental space. And here I am. So perfect. The pastors here offered a bunch of different offices for people for rent for their small businesses throughout this building,” Ms. Dixon said.

Mutually Yours Boutique & Consignment opened its doors Oct. 9.

Husband Bill Dixon said he was happy to help his wife realize her business dreams.

“Basically, I said, ‘What do you need me to do?’ We started from an empty room. She gave me my honey-do list, and I got to work,” Mr. Dixon said, smiling.

“I didn’t see the vision when we first walked into the small room, but I see it now. It’s beautiful,” he added.

Possibilities in store

On Wednesday, Mutually Yours, with help from the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce, celebrated its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting.

Surrounded by family, friends and local dignitaries, Ms. Dixon thanked everyone for their help.

“Thank you. I hope that everyone is able to come and shop and find some great things. We have styles for adults, clothes, shoes, everything. So thank you all and thank you for your support and for keeping small business open in New Castle County.”

State Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown thanked Ms. Dixon for providing a much-needed service to the community.

“You have created possibilities for people. With the job issues right now, someone may be looking for work and may not be able to walk into Macy’s and get an outfit for their interview or their first day. You’ve created affordable possibilities for people,” she said.

Since opening, Ms. Dixon said she has felt support from area residents.

“Business has been pretty good. It ebbs and flows. But I’m starting to get repeat customers, which is really exciting. And the repeat customers are bringing someone with them. I’m doing a little bit more online. I’m starting to do some more, and I’m increasing the shop online,” she said.

Mutually Yours, Ms. Dixon added, also offers curbside pickup for web purchases.

The boutique is at 11 Parkway Circle, Suite 101. For more information, visit here or call 302-566-5244. The store’s current hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ms. Dixon said that, after the holidays, her hours will change to just all day on Saturdays, with consultations available by appointment.