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Trisha Benton Randolph Times
RANDOLPH – Michaela Casey is proud of her rural roots.
She laid down some additional roots by opening a storefront location for her business, Rural Roots Boutique, in downtown Randolph. The business is located south of Sam’s Hardware Hank and the Rural Roots name reflects Casey’s commitment to her hometown.
With inventory overflowing in her home, Casey said she was excited about getting into a store of her own. A fresh coat of paint and some new flooring transformed the space which was formerly utilized by the contractor for the Middle Logan Creek Floodplain Project.
“I have always wanted to better the community and bringing a business to downtown is a great opportunity here next to Sam’s,” she said. “All these other small towns have a boutique, so why can’t we?”
The business started in 2019 when Casey started making and selling earrings through social media and vendor shows. It wasn’t long before she added clothing to her inventory, per customer request.
“I always wanted to try it so I took it and ran with it,” she said.
Over the years she’s learned by trial and error what type of clothing sells well locally and she listens closely to customer requests, accommodating them when she is able. Hoodies and cardigans are top sellers in the Zenana brand and that’s reflected among the racks of clothing at the boutique.
Earrings remain a retail staple but she’s also added some country chic home decor. The business also carries products handmade by Gina Bagbey. The Randolph woman uses goat milk to make soaps, lotions and more.
Casey hopes to get her website running, and would like to add shoes to her inventory soon. She’s also open to working with other local makers and artisans to carry their products in the Rural Roots store.
Current hours are 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays or by appointment. She’s committed to running the storefront through April and then will re-evaluate, she said.
Michaela Casey stands in the storefront location of her business, Rural Roots Boutique. She recently opened the location south of Sam’s Hardware Hank after previously conducting business exclusively through social media and vendor shows.
