Sarah ArnoldGrowing up near the racetrack all her life, you might not guess that Emma Blaney would have a love and eye for fashion. Take one step into her shop – or a peek in the window – and you might not guess she grew up near the racetrack. But this is Emma, and her infectious personality is what makes her and her boutique so perfectly unique.
Jointly named after Emma and her mom, EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s is an eclectic clothing boutique newly transplanted to Front Street in Downtown Marietta. Featuring graphic tees, modern cut staples, and a refreshing offering of inspired jewelry and accessories, the shop is a welcome addition to the local fashion scene.
“My style has always been a little different. I am very open-minded when it comes to styles and I always love trying new looks,” Emma said. “Our store ranges from beautiful boho maxis, to grunge graphic tees, to a funky pair of high waisted pants.” While some styles may not appeal to every shopper, Emma strives to remain true to her own taste. “It has always been important to me to keep the store looking like it has a little of “me” in it. I want to stay true to myself and true to what I love.”
We wanted to mix a blend of classic with what is current, edgy with sweet, bohemian with chic.
Emma knew from an early age that she wanted to work in retail with a goal of someday owning her own boutique. “EmLeigh’s Boutique” began as a website, where she was able to grow an online following supplemented by truck shows and local events in her hometown. As demand grew, so did her inventory and her desire to have a more permanent space.
When Emma and her mom decided to open a brick-and-mortar boutique in 2014, they knew they didn’t want to be the typical southern style boutique. “We wanted to help girls dress with confidence yet remain the free spirited souls that they are,” she said. “We wanted to mix a blend of classic with what is current, edgy with sweet, bohemian with chic. We want you to take our styles and make it your own.”
Four years later, Emma packed up her life in North Carolina and followed her fiancé to their new home in the Mid-Ohio Valley. “My fiancé is from here, and his family lives here so I have been around this area for what feels like a very long time!” she smiled. “When we started spending our evenings in Marietta, it always just stuck with me that if I ever ended up moving here, this would be the perfect location for the store.” As fate would have it, a space was made available just in time. With the help of her family, Emma began adding her personal touch to 187 Front Street.
“I love the look of Marietta, the sidewalk traffic, and how everyone is so supportive of local small businesses. I have only been in the area for a month or so and I already feel completely welcomed and supported and that really makes me feel good. I know this will be a place where customers turn into friends, and that is one of my favorite aspects of owning a business.”
You connect with people on a different level when you can make them feel beautiful and powerful just by dressing them.
Personal customer service is another way EmLeigh’s sets itself apart. “We love to interact with people when they come in. It is one of the most satisfying moments when someone steps out of their comfort zone by trying something new and are so excited about how they look or feel.” As much as she loves picking out new styles and inventory, it’s the friendships she has made that she loves the most. “You connect with people on a different level when you can make them feel beautiful and powerful just by dressing them. I want the store in Marietta to feel like anyone can come in just to hang out, have a conversation, and then to top it off, have a little fun while they shop!”
Celebrating their Grand Opening during last week’s First Friday, EmLeigh’s and Mama B’s is officially open for business. The next time you are downtown, pop in to try on something new and say hello to one of Marietta’s newest neighbors. She can’t wait to meet you!