For August’s store of the month we wanted to feature one of our newest stores, Diamond Willow Boutique. We reached out to Janet to get some insight into their Fairbanks, Alaska location.

• How would you describe your store? Upscale funky boho chic. I chose varied styles that can be layered up or down depending on the ever changing climate. I chose easy, fun, beautiful and timeless, much like what Alaska represents- you have to be ready for anything!
• How long have you been in business? I have been open less than a month. These women here are so hungry for cute affordable clothes as you either have to order online or shop when you go “outside”, a challenge many here know well, so it’s been well received. I have dreamed of this since I worked at my first boutique when I was in ninth grade.  I remember steaming the clothes and being oh-so-content.  It feels as though I started this business that moment.
• Do you have a favorite line?  Is there a new line we should all keep an eye open for? I have been really happy with She & Sky, Papercrane, POL, Naked Zebra, Hem & Thread.  There are so many styles to choose from, who can choose one or two?   Seems as though this year these companies have really explored being creative and detailed as well as more whimsical. I have only scratched the surface in regards to what is available as you have three days at times to peruse 3,000 booths full of beauty, so it can be quite overwhelming- choose fast and well.
• What is the one accessory you can’t live without? Myself? A beautiful statement bag……..that’s all I need!!! When you have a beautiful bag, you never lose it! Its like a diaper bag for grown ups. Or a security blanket that carries all your stuff.
• What styling advice do you share with all your customers? To simply love it.  If they don’t love it, don’t buy it or it will sit in your closet.  Be comfortable and have fun. Sometimes they become overwhelmed with all the choices and have to come back, and sometimes they simply buy everything.
• What has surprised you the most after you opened your store? How incredibly rewarding it is to follow a dream and watch it transpire. It’s so rewarding being creative and making people happy, as you meet very happy people shopping.
• Do you have any tips on balancing work & family/marriage? Not really, just get enough rest, try to prep for dinners so you can hang out and reconnect and always fit in any type of outdoor exercise.  And most of all to laugh as much as you can.  We have much to be thankful for in this country, and family is key.
• What book is on the top of your summer reading list? Switch on Your Brain, by Dr. Caroline Leaf!.  Your brain is an amazing, amazing tool. Utilize it to its full potential!! And always always search your heart.  Life is but a mist, have fun, and love much.
• Any vacation plans?  What is your favorite vacation destination? When you live in Alaska, it’s quite a trek, so we usually explore places close by.  Hawaii is almost a yearly jaunt and I absolutely loved Palm Springs: the food and shopping.  I  hope to travel more abroad when things settle down, but so far Kauai is my all time favorite.  Road tripping in summer time in Alaska is pretty cool, too. I hope everyone can try it at least once in their life.
• Are you a minimalist packer or an over-packer?  Any packing suggestions for the rest of us? I pack about 20 minutes before I leave. I went from an over packer to a just a few toiletries, and a few staples you can dress up or down. I try to shop local when I arrive- that is the best part of traveling! But I try to refer to a core list of things I always need to make any place a home.