SHE’S GOT THE LOOK: Audrey’s Boudoir Pays Homage to Style Icon
new downtown Eau Claire shop grows out of online business
In 2019, Nikki Chetwood operated her small business, Audrey’s Boudoir, out of her dining room. Now, she sells trinkets, apparel, accessories, and gifts out of a storefront on Main Street in Eau Claire, paying homage to one of her favorite icons.
“I have always loved to shop, giving gifts, or helping others to shop for things they love,” Chetwood said. “I am naturally drawn to beautiful, shiny, timeless, colorful, retro, vintage items and novelties.”
While not affiliated with Audrey Hepburn, her online presence began as a fan club on Facebook where it slowly evolved into an online store. She has amassed around 900 members ever since she first started 3½ years ago. One of her Facebook groups is made up of Audrey Boudoir members that get first looks at her merchandise. Another Facebook group focuses on ladies’ clothing for all sizes. What Chetwood thought was going to start as a pop-up space ended up as a store with nearly 1600 items being sold online and in-store – with merchandise always being added. Her items are for sale at different price points to encourage everyone to come shop.
She works with multiple different vendors from all over the United States, some as close as Chippewa Falls and some as far away as New York. Chetwood also likes to shine a spotlight on and support the work of women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ vendors.
Chetwood is hoping to expand to an even bigger space – even a showroom someday. For now, the store carries a variety of products from many different vendors. Chetwood looks forward to sidewalk sales, future pop-ups, Black Friday, and Small Business Saturday.
Check out Audrey’s Boudoir at 305 Main St., Eau Claire, and visit them online at audreysboudoir.com and on Facebook.
