BY KIM McKINNEY
Chrystal Johns follows a simple rule when deciding what clothing to sell at Wicked Wardrobe, her boutique in Downtown Statesville.
“It has to be cute, it has to be comfortable, and it has to be good material,” she explained.
Wicked Wardrobe, which opened in October of 2022, offers an array of popular brands, including Cello, KanCan and Risen jeans, bebe and White Birch tops, Mono B athletic wear, and for the boho look, Bucket List and Peach Love.
In an effort to make sure she has something for everyone, Johns stocks clothing in many sizes and multiple price ranges.
“I can dress you for a casual night or I can dress you for a date night — or even for the gym in between,” Johns said.
Wicked Wardrobe also offers beauty products, jewelry, and gift items. Farmhouse Fresh natural and organic beauty products are also popular, as well as graphic T-shirts and cow prints.
Johns wants people to feel at home when they walk into her store. It is important to her that all patrons are greeted and noticed and feel recognized.
Some people want to be left to browse on their own, while others want her and her staff to be that friend who helps them pick out clothes that are best for them or the perfect gift for someone. All are welcome.
Johns took an untraditional path to retail.
After a 13-year career in nursing, she felt burned out. She woke up one day in 2018 and told her husband she was going to start selling clothes.
A year later she gave up nursing and devoted herself to selling merchandise on Facebook Live. She could not have imagined that the COVID-19 pandemic was just around the corner, or that her venture would take off.
As her sales soared and Johns’ business prospered, she learned along the way. She made mistakes during her Facebook Live sales, but she never deleted her bloopers. Her customers – many of whom were stuck at home — could identify with her.
Johns never planned to open a store. She was looking for warehouse space when she was shown the space that she eventually transformed into Wicked Wardrobe.
She was intrigued by the storefront and decided to set up shop. She’s glad she did.
“I love people, I love interaction. I love talking to people. I feel like it’s a good fit for me. We get signs when we’re not expecting it.”
Wicked Wardrobe is located at 109 East Broad Street in Statesville. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was originally published in the April edition of “IFN Monthly.”