Butterfly Native Thriftique opens its doors

WASILLA — The newly opened Butterfly Native Thriftique is not your average boutique. Proprietor Kimara Love Buster loves to sew and is a craft-oriented person in general. She has incorporated that passion into her business.

"I decided to open a thriftique. It's both a boutique thrift store and a thrift boutique," said Buster.

Buster said she likes to call her passion "upcycling" instead of recycling. An accomplished sewer since the age of about 12, Buster takes many items that people may think are ready for the rag pile and creates a one-off fashion statement. The main display floor at her approximate 600-square foot, two room shop features examples of her works. But the shop is more than just clothing.

She, and her business partner Georgia Irion-Trueblood opened the doors at 300 North Main Street on Dec. 12. The shop offers more than just clothing. Buster said antiques and collectibles as well as local art can be found adding she takes consignment items, but tries to focus on those that are hand-crafted.

"I've had an overwhelming response to get more Native things," Buster said adding that the item variety will be in constant flux. "I would like to oneday have (the main showroom) filled new and used, locally made items...locally made anything."

Buster said locally made means the local economy and community is impacted in a positive way. Further, she noted, purchasers know the items are made in America. Buster has also found a niche in the highly competitive clothing market — she encourages customers to bring in something that has sentimental value. Using her sewing skills, Buster said she derives great pleasure and satisfaction in creating something new out of it.

"It's awesome to see what ideas people come up with," Buster said. "I can help them bring those to fruition."

Buster has a grand opening on the calendar for Saturday Feb. 11 and welcomes the community to stop in and check out what the thriftique has to offer.

The shop is open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m., 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday noon- 5 p.m. It is closed Monday's. Buster encourages people to visit her website butterflynative.com or visit her Facebook page. The shop's number is 907-223-7403.

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com