Southernly Sweet Boutique, owned by Cassidy Kennedy, is set to open its doors on June 26 at 1201 W Vernon Ave., Suite G, in Kinston. The boutique will offer a variety of clothing, accessories, home decor, and gift items.

Kennedy, who previously worked in education and has hands-on experience in retail, shared her excitement about fulfilling a long-held dream. "This has been a dream of mine since day one," Kennedy said. "I used to work at a boutique not far from here. They're no longer open, but I did a lot of hands-on stuff in that store, and it really opened up my eyes."

Southernly Sweet Boutique aims to provide an enjoyable shopping experience with affordable prices. "Sometimes when people walk into a boutique, they get overwhelmed with the price," Kennedy said. "Here at Southernly Sweet Boutique, we offer adorable clothing, beautiful clothing at affordable prices. And not only do we offer clothing, but we also offer accessories, home decor, outdoor decor, and great gift items."

The boutique will operate Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Kennedy emphasized her commitment to customer service and creating a welcoming atmosphere. "I love fashion and being able to help people out. Some people are insecure, so I love offering all sizes for them to feel good about themselves," she said. "I want to be a smiling face whenever they walk in."

Kennedy, a native of Deep Run who has lived in various parts of the area, expressed her dedication to the Kingston community. "I've spent a lot of time in Kinston, and I wanted to open my boutique here because I believe I offer products at a more affordable cost," she said.

Southernly Sweet Boutique's grand opening on June 26 will be from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Kennedy hopes the community will embrace her new venture and appreciates the support from friends and family. "I am a very outgoing person and I love talking to people. I care about people, and I want to make them feel good about themselves," she said.

Kennedy's enthusiasm for her boutique and her community is evident. "There's something here for everybody," she said, inviting residents to visit and explore the variety of items available at Southernly Sweet Boutique.