Jolene Allison couldn’t help but smile as she gazed around her new consignment boutique in Tavernier. Her mother, Karina Durstin, stood behind as she expressed how proud she was of her daughter’s new business endeavor.
Unique finds that patrons discover inside Jolene’s Hidden Treasures & Boutique, located at the plaza at MM 91.9, bayside, come from the various treasure hunts Allison and Durstin have gone on throughout Florida. Handcrafted wood signs, paintings and portraits fill the walls. Small tables that have a bit of an artist’s touch are scattered through the store. Local art, including Allison’s fused glass creations, sit on a glass case near the checkout counter.
Originally from West Palm Beach, Allison used to spend summer vacations in the Keys. A local for the past 11 years, Allison said she needed a change from the boat detailing business she was in for the past 20 years.
“I didn’t know when I was going to make my change or what it was going to be,” Allison said. “I do fused glass jewelry and went to art shows. It was a lot of running around and traveling.”
Allison wanted a place where she could incorporate her creations and local jewelry. She’s also thrifty and loves to find a good deal. An idea came to life with the opening of her consignment shop in April.
“We live here and I’m like, ‘There’s no shopping for locals that is affordable,’” she said. “You’re not coming to my shop and feeling like you just spent your whole week’s paycheck. I try to find everything as cheap as I can. That way, I can keep prices low in the shop.”
Completely new to the retail world, Allison admits she was a bit nervous as she opened the shop. A few months into the new job, Allison can’t help but enjoy what she brought to life with the local community.
“It’s that moment in your life where you’re like, ‘This is where I’m supposed to be.’ I come in here and I’m smiling here,” she said. “It’s raining and I can still come to work.”
Allison doesn’t mind working with people when it comes to giving some discounts. And she doesn’t mind when someone wants to showcase their musical talents.
“I had a guy come in who had no money, but knew how to play the piano,” she said. “He wanted a CD and said he’d play piano for 30 minutes to pay for it. I said, ‘Sure thing.’”
Allison also provides a 10% discount whenever that familiar Dolly Parton song “Jolene” plays through the speakers.
“It’s like the little red light special,” she said. “No one knows it’s happening except me.”
Before opening, Allison ran all over Florida treasure hunting. Now, she lets her mom, Karina, do the picking as runs the shop.
“She Facetimes me all the time when she’s out at estate sales,” Allison said.
Durstin, of Sebastian, said she enjoys the rush of not knowing what she’ll find.
“It’s just the fun of the hunt. I know what she loves,” Durstin said.
Jolene’s Hidden Treasures & Boutique is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit Jolene’s Hidden Treasures & Boutique’s Facebook page for more information.
