Lines for the fitting rooms and the register on opening night Aug. 31 for The Ruffled Hem indicated the California community was ready for a clothing boutique.
For Shanna Helms, a 1997 graduate of Eldon High School, the store represents a long-awaited personal goal.
The last few years, she has operated an online store and a by-appointment business from her Tipton home.
This summer she was able to focus on opening a storefront, as the youngest of her four children entered kindergarten.
"This has always been in the plans," said the University of Missouri graduate from the textile and apparel management program.
Helms had provided the former business, Inspired Designs, with seasonal clothing racks.
Now, the corner, downtown shop is filled with clothing for high schoolers to grandmothers and sizes small to 3X.
She has retained other contributors, including the promotional items from MK Designs and homemade products from Annie's candles.
And the coffee bar will continue to serve Three Story Coffee.
"This (coffee) was never in the plan, but I'm a coffee lover; I would come in to get coffee here," Helms said.
The last few weeks, Helms has updated the downtown storefront, including new paint and fitting rooms.
The store will be open weekly 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, with expanded hours planned closer to the holidays.