VAN BUREN, Maine – From women’s fashion, holiday decorations, candles, and wall ornaments adorned with inspirational quotes, newly-opened Rustic Treasures boutique store has plenty to offer.
Carol Searles opened the shop just a month ago, on Oct. 4. Before that, she had spent nearly her entire life working in the health care industry. Most recently, she worked as a home provider, which involves caring for someone who is living in her home.
But after spending 16 years as a home provider, Searles decided it was time for a change.
“My husband said ‘Why don’t you open a store? You’ve always wanted to,’” Searles said. “So I looked around Van Buren.”
Searles was inspired after taking a trip to Texas to visit her sister and brother-in-law. When she arrived, she found boutique stores offering a variety of items that are out of the norm for northern Maine.
From there, she reached out to people in the community both in-person and online and asked about what products they would like to see. Most said they’d just like a place where they could pick up a gift for someone without having to drive 45 minutes to Presque Isle.
She was also inspired by a Van Buren shop called the Memory Box, which has been closed for years.
“Everything was wrapped in a little red bag with a little piece of material, like a gingham ribbon,” she said. “That place was a staple in Van Buren.”
As for what inspires her particular selection of products, she said she’s just picking out things that she likes.
“I thought, there’s got to be women out there who like what I like,” she said. “And, surprisingly, it’s been really good.”
Searles said the products in the store are geared toward women, but that men have stopped by to pick up presents and gift cards for their wives or girlfriends.
Shackets, which combine qualities of a shirt and jacket, are among the store’s most popular products. Searles said she personally likes the decorative quotes that can be hung up.
“I just gave one to a family that had a new baby,” she said. “And it said ‘These are the moments I’ve waited for all my life.’ I get goosebumps reading some of these quotes. It’s special.”
Rustic Treasures is the most recent of several new businesses opening up in Van Buren. And Searles said she is optimistic about economic growth in the area.
“I’m excited to see foot traffic back in our small town,” she said.
In the future, Searles and she and her husband are considering opening an Airbnb in town. But for now, she is focused on running the store and gearing up for an open house event, showcasing Christmas products, on Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Social media sites like Facebook and Instagram in particular have been the most effective way for her to reach her customers, find out what they want, and to build anticipation when new products are about to arrive.
Whether it’s face-to-face or on Facebook, Searles said she enjoys the opportunity to talk to and meet new people.
“It’s good to communicate and to just hear everyone’s stories,” she said. “They feel comfortable coming in here and telling me what they’re looking for and why they’re in town.”
