A boutique store with a larger mission of serving victims of trauma has opened in Dolores.
Cultivating Sacred, 411 Central Ave., features retail space for artists, holistic health care products, jewelry, soaps, home goods, essential oils, bath salts and sage bundles.
It plans a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 16.
“We have artwork from six artists in the boutique now, and we are looking for more,” said co-owner Alana Connelly.
Pop-up vendors will be at the grand opening, she said, and Sweet Water Gypsy pizza will be set up for lunch. Some artists include Cody Lyons, Charming Chalkers and Dina Herrmann Arts. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Connelly and Layce Heaton developed Cultivating Sacred as a nonprofit with a mission to help struggling and abused women get back on their feet.
A portion of the sales help raise funds to buy a nearby farm to provide work and housing for women in need.
“Opening the boutique store is Phase 1,” Connelly said.
The idea is for women to find safe living conditions while learning to farm, earning money and building a resume.
Phase 2 of the project is to open Three Chicks Bakery in Dolores. Farm produce would be used for baked goods, salads and sandwiches. Victims of abuse could find work at the boutique store, bakery or farm.
Their goal is to raise $180,000 to purchase land for Threshold Farm.
Connelly is a local yoga instructor in Dolores.
“People suffering from trauma need a place to recover and heal,” Connelly said of her and Heaton’s motivation to begin Cultivating Sacred.
The program provides support for victims of abuse, trauma and emotional crisis resulting from domestic violence, crime and divorce.
