Appointment-only boutique opens in Grafton

Opal Stone started an online boutique several years ago and now she has a brick-and-mortar store in downtown Grafton.

On Aug. 1, Wild & Precious Clothing and Design opened at 1323 Wisconsin Ave., the former Sarah Jayne Photography Studio. But instead of a traditional retail experience, Stone is seeing customers by appointment only. 

“I want to provide a genuine connection and experience for customers,” she said, noting she allows a maximum of 10 people in the store for 30 to 60 minutes at a time.

Stone said her business model isn’t due to the coronavirus pandemic, though it helps maintain social distancing, but rather because she is a mother of two young children and has to maintain a regimen.

She said the atmosphere in the shop is based on her experience as a mother.

“From being a mom to being a business owner, everything is a learning experience and I want my customers to share that experience with me,” Stone said. “A lot of my products that I’ve designed are based on things that have happened in my life.

“I think being able to relate to other women that have gone through similar things or design items that speak to them means a lot and it is a rewarding experience.” 

The boutique features home décor, gifts made by other women, hand-lettered products that Stone designed and clothing, including a baby collection. Stone has maintained her online store and said the hybrid model has been a successful approach for her business.

“I want to provide my customers with options because I know they are moms and grandmas who have busy schedules and they may not have the time to travel 20 miles to my boutique,” Stone said. 

Stone is a Saukville native who attended Grafton schools, graduating with the Grafton High School Class of 2008. She considers Grafton to be her home, and said it has been a dream to open a store in the community.

Prior to becoming a business owner, Stone said, she wanted to be a counselor in higher education, but her desire to have her own store pushed her in a different direction. About a year and a half ago, she began perusing available retail spaces and found her current location in February. She didn’t sign the lease until June due to the pandemic. 

Although the pandemic made her delay the opening, she said it was worth the wait.

“There was a lot of planning that needed to be done, and it was beneficial for me to put it on hold,” she said. “I really didn’t want to pass on this opportunity.”

Depending on how business goes in the next few months, Stone is considering expanding her offerings and may hire more staff members to accommodate more shoppers. 

“I really want to take this one day at a time and adapt my business accordingly with the times,” she said. 

To make an appointment at the store, visit www.wildpreciousboutique.com.