Colorful Beads on a Hemp String

It all started with a simple bracelet. Colorful beads on a hemp string. It was just an expression of her creative self.

And then she made another. And yet another. Each one, more inspired than the last. And she was really good at it. So, she kept making these charming bracelets and lovingly giving them as gifts to friends and family.

So, she decided to chase a dream and open a small boutique to share her wonderful creations with the world.

OK, so maybe that’s a little (or a lot) over simplified, but that’s just about how it happened for Connie Day when she opened Market Boutique on Main in Oshkosh back in 2010.

What started out as a hobby - an outlet for her creativity - turned into a nice little business that fit so beautifully into historic downtown Oshkosh, but importantly, fit beautifully into her life.

With two kids at home, but no longer attention-needy babies, Connie found she now had time for herself, and she began making more than just jewelry. She designed clothing. She dabbled in hand-painted inspirational signs and even woodworking.

Couple all that talent with an innate sense of marketing and retail merchandising, not to mention a like-her-the-minute-you-meet-her personality, and you have a sure-fire formula for success.

And what a success it’s been!

And if you can do it once, why not do it again? So, that’s exactly what Connie and her husband, Mike did. This time, right here in Rome.

Welcome to Market Boutique in Rome.

Since April, and its highly anticipated opening, Connie has been splitting her time between the two stores, as the original one in Oshkosh continues to thrive, and her “new baby” in Rome is seeing success so much quicker than she ever imagined.

And why wouldn't it be successful?

When you walk in the door, you’re immediately impressed with the obvious pride and passion that goes into every decision. Shorts and tops from some of today’s trendiest designers are neatly displayed front and center. Hand-poured candles line the wall to the left and fill the air with the sweet smells of lavender, vanilla, and jasmine. And clever “Rome-centric” t-shirts, hats, and mugs fill every corner.

Looking for a Lake Camelot t-shirt? She’s got it. How about a Sherwood or Arrowhead onesie? It’s there. Or maybe a golf polo adorned with a whimsical pattern of a Bloody Mary cocktail of all things. Sounds silly, but she can’t keep this one in stock!

You can see, and even purchase, many of these unique items by visiting marketboutiqueonmain.com, but you owe it to yourself to get the full effect by visiting her in person in the Rome Town Center at 285 Geneva Trail (previously Bison Trading Company).

She will greet you with a welcoming smile and give you all the room you need to browse and shop to your heart’s content. Because to put it her way;

“I’m never going to sell anything to anyone. I want them to buy it because they fell in love with it.”

But be warned, you will fall in love with just about everything… And to think, it all started with a simple bracelet.

Written by: Lydell Capritta