Kristi Wilbanks opens boutique in Russellville

Sept. 15 Kristi Wilbanks reached a new career milestone when she opened her first brick-and-mortar boutique selling women’s clothing and accessories.

“A lot of people came out. I think it went really well,” she said.

Wilbanks has been selling clothing, specialized monogramming and designed T-shirts for about a year and a half online through a Facebook group. She said she started out with just the clothing and then started doing the specialized T-shirts.

“It took off more than I thought it would. Then the opportunity presented itself to open this storefront, and I took the leap of faith,” Wilbanks said.

She described the style of clothing she sells as women’s essentials that are versatile across seasons and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion. The specialized T-shirts are short sleeved, ¾ sleeved and long sleeved, and the designs range from religious and holiday/seasonal to gameday and customer requests.

“I really enjoy doing the T-shirts. I like the graphic design and making pretty things,” she said.

There is also a plus-size clothing section, shoes and jewelry.

Wilbanks named the store Maggie J’s after her 6-year-old daughter, Maggie Jean.

Maggie J’s is located on Highway 43 next to Ava’s China and Gifts. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday it is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information call 256-291-7090.