Charming Grace Boutique, 1053 Main St., Hellertown, Pa.
Anyone who has ever been to Hellertown knows that there are many charming aspects to the borough.
And, thanks to Debbie Valentin, the borough of Hellertown became a bit more charming back in December. That’s when Valentin and her husband opened up Charming Grace Boutique at 1053 Main Street.
The shop, which is located across the street from Saucon Valley Manor and next to Jim Gardner State Farm Agency, specializes in home décor (wall art, canvases, wood pieces, pillows, throws, centerpieces), jewelry, scarves, tops, beauty products (soaps, bath bombs, masks, shampoo bars) and candles.
Valentin has a very simple test for whether or not to bring something into her store.
“My personal style and that of the store is what I consider ‘rustic vintage,’” she explains. “If I wouldn’t wear it, or have it in my home, I don’t carry it at the boutique. So I make sure everything I sell here is something unique and beautiful.”
Valentin says that she and her husband also take pride in their locally made items.
The wooden wall art pieces are made by Designs by Ashlee in Nazareth. Bath bombs and lotions are from RoyalTee Soaps & Sundries in Quakertown. Soaps, shampoo bars and masks are from Bare Beauty Products in Hellertown.
And, the candles from Hilltop Candle Company are also made locally–by Debbie herself.
The candles are, in fact, some of the store’s most popular items. “Our candles sell very well, due to our variety of scents and the fact that they are made with soy wax. Jewelry is a very close second,” she says.
Valentin says she has always had a desire to open up a small, “cozy” boutique. “While we were looking for a commercial space to expand our candle business, we found our current location that also offered a retail space and thought that this may be my chance to do something I’ve always dreamed of,” she explains.
Valentin says they decided to open Charming Grace Boutique in Hellertown for the same reason they decided to live in the borough. “We love the atmosphere and the people,” she says. “It is a very quaint, beautiful and cozy town and we believe the folks that live and frequent Hellertown will also appreciate what we offer.”
Valentin’s plans to grow the business include developing a website where they can offer everything they sell in the store online, to allow them to extend the store’s reach to people who may not be able to visit the store as often, due to distance. They also have a Facebook page and Instagram feed.
Down the road, Valentin says she hopes to open a “lounge” area in the store, “where folks can stop in and have a place to do some reading, catch up with friends or just enjoy a cup of coffee.” Right now the shop offers free hot cocoa or coffee to anyone who stops by.
Valentin says she grew up in Syracuse, N.Y., and moved to Pennsylvania six years ago to attend college in Phoenixville. After college she got into candle making as a hobby, and later decided to try it as a business, launching Hilltop Candle Company about two years ago.
If you haven’t already visited Charming Grace Boutique, the Hellertown Community Yard Sale June 3 might be the perfect time to pay the store a visit. “We will have our entire store on sale and will have free treats and goodies for those who stop by,” Valentin says.
Charming Grace Boutique is open Wednesday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about the store, call 610-748-0707.
Photos below by Charming Grace Boutique
