| Maggie Rooney Owner of Bohemian
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Adel, Iowa may not be the first place you think about when it comes to the hotbed of the latest fashions and trends, but it certainly has started to take on those qualities in recent years!
Previously, we spoke with Shannon, owner of Next 2 New, a consignment store on Highway 6.
This month, we are pleased to bring
you an interview with owner Maggie Rooney of Bohemian, a new pop-up boutique and co-op housed within
Next 2 New sporting a creative, colorful, and conscientious array of eco-friendly clothing and accessories for the trendy woman.
Bohemian's co-op concept is new to the area, but has been popularized in big cities around the globe. For an initial investment, patrons may borrow 3 items from the inventory such as dresses, tops, bottoms, fashionable outerwear, jewelry and accessories.
You can use Bohemian as a pop-in store and walk away with three items to use for $20. Or you can become a member of the co-op. Those who pay $40 per month may visit 4x per month and borrow three accessories each visit. Or pay $60 per month for unlimited visits, each time picking out three items to borrow and return. Maggie launders each item before it is returned to the inventory for the next lucky person to borrow.
This idea, similar to raiding your friend's closet for something "new" to wear, is helpful with regards to interviews and especially the upcoming wedding season.
"Shannon and I had the idea, along with the green movement that has moved into Des Moines in the past few years, that there is a step beyond consignment if we evaluate the way we view fashion and the way we shop. We buy something, wear it once or twice, then we're over it and ready to move on. We thought, 'we might as well just rent it!' "
"With the summer season people may have 7-8 weddings to attend, realistically you aren't going to wear the same dress each time. This way, you can pick out something different to wear to each event."
Maggie handpicks the collection of available items with her great sense of the Bohemian style- often identified by a mix of fun patterns, creative color combinations, and a courageous vibe - and years of experience as a closet consultant. With a dedicated shopper, patrons are not encouraged to bring items to add to the collection.
Instead, Maggie identifies well cared for, previously owned items along with new, one of a kind statement pieces that fit specific characteristics. There will be occasional items for sale as Maggie comes across great finds, such as boots or shoes.
The dedicated space creates a quaint, intimate shopping experience just this side of the Raccoon River. Next 2 New will still have consignment clothing for sale. The ability to borrow and buy from the same location make Bohemian and Next 2 New a great alternative to driving into the metro area for a touch of class.
Bohemian's collection will include clothing from XS-L, with accessories such as scarves and necklaces to fit all sizes. While the co-op trend may scream youth, Bohemian speaks to women of all ages who are courageous enough to let their clothing speak for its self.
"Bohemian is more of a personality - it would draw a confident woman who thinks about what they put on, who isn't afraid to let their outfit shine. I love seeing 70-80 year old women who are rocking the latest fashion- it draws a confident woman of any age."
Rooney chose to set up Bohemian as a cash-only business to create more mindfulness in how consumers spend their money, rather than following the trend of putting all purchases on credit.
"Bohemian was founded with a minimal investment, with items purchased from Goodwill, and its altruistic purpose is minimal impact on the planet while supporting the local community."
Maggie enjoys that she can help save someone from the hassles a trip to the metro may cause- from spending gas money to creating waste, to the time away from family- all in the name of fashion.
Maggie's personal philosophies stem from her family morals and have blossomed over the years as she received her BA from the University of Northern Iowa for Health Promotions with a double major in Women's Health and Wellness, as well as attending the Aveda school achieving her degree in Aesthetics.
Maggie believes that health impacts every facet of a person's universe including finance, family dynamics, stress management, and the environment.
In addition to the new store, Maggie has brought several wellness opportunities to Adel since she moved to the community last year.
Together with the Adel Public Library, Maggie has introduced various yoga classes and wellness programs such as Kids Yoga.
The Kids Yoga program isn't just about stretching and poses, it also incorporates stress management techniques, breathing exercises, and helps kids to better interact with one another, the community, and the environment.
Adult yoga classes focus on the body parts often forgotten, such as stretching the hands, wrists, and feet, while working to counter the effects of what Maggie calls Desk Tension- or the stress that is generated by a sedentary office lifestyle.
In May, Maggie will start a family yoga class to help bring family members together.
"I'm a big believer that the better we are to ourselves the better we are to everyone and everything around us."
From organic produce and locally purveyed daily products at Fareway, to the rush of activity when the Aquatic Center opens, Maggie genuinely loves her new home and continues to discover Adel's charm.
She is especially excited to participate in the community garden and ride the Raccoon River Valley Trail this summer.
"For having such a small community we really have a lot of options. I like the feeling that people know my name, that we can have that connection, but I can still have my own world and my own life. I'm very grateful to be in Adel."
Bohemian - Located in Next 2 New
215 South 6th St. Adel, Iowa 50003
Email: maggrooney@gmail.com Phone: (515) 360-9850
Facebook: facebook.com/BohemianEcoFashion
Hours:
Open Friday and Saturdays 12-4pm
Closet consultations available by appointment only
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