Ellie Grace & Co. Opens on Main Street
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors welcomed Brandi Holmes’ new business Ellie Grace & Co. located at 727 N Main Street, Bluffton with a Ribbon Cutting on May 24.
“Just like any girl, I have a love for clothing and an obsession with shoes and purses,” explained Holmes about her passion for starting a new business. Holmes was inspired by a Boutique she saw in Ohio years ago and decided to start a hobby out of her closet selling clothes online. Holmes operated the online business for two years and decided to take it to a physical location. “This is all so exciting and surreal having this dream come to reality,” stated Holmes.
There is a meaning to the store name of Ellie Grace & Co. Ellie represents the Light of God; Grace is everything God has for us; and Company represents family and friends. “I was struggling to find a name and then one morning, the name and meaning was so clear to me and I knew I had to move forward with this dream,” said Holmes.
In addition, Holmes complimented the Wells County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development for helping to get the business up and running. “I don’t think people are aware of the resources and direction that are available for businesses and entrepreneurs. They were very helpful.”
Ellie Grace & Co. will offer women’s clothing size small to 3x, a curvy line in jeans and tops, shoes, accessories, purses and jewelry. Within the store are several hand-made items from local vendors such as personalized wine glasses, head bands, baby head wraps, exclusive burp cloths and bibs, wall collages and custom signs, and wood items such as cutting boards. “Everything in the store is ‘me’ explained, Holmes. “I like the rustic and antique look; it’s farmhouse meets shabby sheik.”
Product within Ellie Grace & Co. are unique, and quantity is limited. “I may restock popular items one additional time, but not after that and new items arrive each week,” said Holmes.
Holmes wants people to know that when they come in they are their own person. “An outfit can make a person feel confident and beautiful. My favorite quote by Anne Klein is, ‘clothes aren’t going to change the world, the women who wear them will,’ stated Holmes. “Fashion doesn’t have to cost a lot and our items are not over $50.”
Holmes wants the community to know that the last Saturday of every month 10% of sales will be donated to a designated charity. Store hours are Thursday through Friday 10am to 6pm and Saturday from 10-3pm.
Pictured in photo left to right:
Cyndee Fiechter, North Eastern Group Realty, Chamber Ambassador
Heather Morgan, National Oil, Chamber Ambassador
Kevin Pritchard, RUOFF Home Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Mayor Ted Ellis
Kathy McGill, Woodforest National Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Addie Hiser, PNC Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Kevin Sills, Ossian State Bank, Chamber Ambassador
Hattie Wondercheck, Ellie Grace & Co.
Kay Hunnicut, Ellie Grace & Co.
Brandi Holmes, Ellie Grace & Co.
Dede Rickard, Ellie Grace & Co.
Jessica Beste, American Mortgage, Chamber Ambassador
Carl Rickard, Ellie Grace & Co.
Erin Prible, Wells County Chamber of Commerce, Executive Director
Doug Brown, News-Banner, Chamber Ambassador