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“Fair to Middlin’ Gifts & Boutique” is getting set to open its doors next month in Childersburg

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CHILDERSBURG, Ala. – Kara Eslinger is putting the finishing touches on her new boutique and gift shop on First St. in downtown Childersburg, and she’s got supportive family right by her side. Mom, Valerie Scoggins, and husband, Lee Eslinger, are helping to make “Fair to Middlin’ Boutique” a unique experience.

The name is something Kara picked up from her granddad.

“Growing up, I was really close with my grandparents,” said Eslinger. “One day I asked how he was doing, and he answered, ‘I’m fair to middling.’‘ He explained what that meant and it just stuck in my head.”

When the idea of the new boutique came up, Kara wanted a name that fit her Southern roots.

“Immediately, I thought of that day, that phrase, and knew I had the name. I dedicate it to my Grandpa, Ray Stephenson, because it corresponds with how he lived his life.”

In business, that corresponds to value – the perfect combination of quality and price. It fits what she already has on display, a great selection of “business casual” wear – fit for many occasions, but perfect for professional circumstances like her former career as a traveling court reporter.

Here’s the storefront, but even it will get a fresh, new look!

“I just felt the time was right for something new, something here at home,” explained Eslinger. “The idea started as a gift shop and kind of grew as I discussed it with family and friends. I think it’s something different that fits a needed niche around here.”

For the clothing she’ll offer, comfort is the key with styles you can wear to work. Plus, all sorts of accessories to mix and match for yourself, that also make great gift ideas, will be available. Her first order for the new store was from a company providing handbags, hair clips, jewelry, and things like that.

The official opening date and time is 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, starting with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Eslinger will entertain a few friends and family by invitation before that to help establish a smooth routine.

“I’m super excited to get started, and we’ve all been working so hard to get the place ready,” Eslinger noted. “With the help of a select group of friends, there’ll be less stress, they’ll be more familiar, more comfortable with checking people out, with how everything works together for opening day.”

Kara says that even with a lot of things to offer the public, she is quite pleased with how the displays are coming together.

“It’s tough to get a feel for what we wanted to do without actually doing it, without actually seeing it. Every day the store layout is feeling more comfortable, and that’s an important key for what we wanted to bring to the area – Southern comfort and attractiveness. I’ve got a great family helping to make it all happen!”

Lee Eslinger, Kara Eslinger, and Valerie Scoggins


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