The owner, Valerie (Weissinger) Guess, is one of my oldest and dearest friends. After attending Farragut schools (’99) and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (’03), Valerie moved to Nashville in 2005. Though her Knoxville friends missed her terribly, the move proved very successful. Not only did she meet her wonderful husband JP, but she also started a clothing retail business out of her home that quickly gained a loyal following. Valerie spent years on the road, selling women’s apparel and accessories at sorority events, country clubs, and charities throughout the south.
Last year, Valerie decided she was ready to give her passion a permanent home, and Nashville’s loss in now Knoxville’s gain. After searching high and low for the perfect location, she settled in Bearden right next to Ray’s ESG and Tomo Sushi and across the street from Bliss Home and Stir Fry Café.
Valerie took a completely blank slate and created a store that is warm, unique and inviting. The décor is a cross between Anthropologie and a vintage shop: chocolate brown concrete floors, vintage hooks and display units, a checkout counter that used to serve as a bar and she’s even got a Bali-esque daybed in the back perfect for boyfriends or friends to lounge on while you try on (dozens) of clothes.
From clothing and shoes to jewelry to candles and pillows, her selection is young, fresh and affordable (with plenty of orange options, of course).
Laura Braden: Favorite charity that you support?
Valerie Guess: Sweet Relief, which was started by two dear friends who lost family to cancer. The group supports the fight against Cancer while providing the community an opportunity to celebrate the lives of those affected.
LB: Knoxville guilty pleasure?
VG: A cold beer on a hot day on Loudon Lake.
LB: Favorite restaurant?
VG: Aubrey’s – any location, any time.
LB: If the Mayor ever asked, I’d tell him…
VG: Continue to clean up and revive downtown.
LB: One word that describes Knoxville?
VG: Home.
LB: If you didn’t live in Knoxville, where would you live and why?
VG: Nashville because I still have a ton of friends there, and there’s always great (live) music and event attractions.
Be sure to swing by the grand opening this Saturday, April 2 from 11:00 am until 6:00 pm! Mention that you love Knoxify, and you’ll receive 10% off. Happy shopping! You can also visit Val’s Boutique online at the store’s official site, on Facebook and Twitter.