MASON CITY – A rural North Iowa teen’s business has found a new home on South Federal Avenue, offering creative and eclectic products for the engaged, the curious, and even the hungry.
Envious Jewelry & Boutique is owned and operated by Michael Meacham, a 17 year-old entrepreneur from rural Plymouth. Michael has been in business for about two years, starting at home in August of 2011, then moving briefly to Southbridge Mall before finding a more permanent home at 502 South Federal Avenue, next door to the Oasis Tan shop.
“My mom told me to go out and get a job, to explore the world,” Michael – a junior at Central Springs High School – said of his business venture. “So I instead decided to start my own business.” He also has part-time help to hold down the store while he is at school.
Envious Jewelry & Boutique offers high quality handcrafted and re-purposed items. Walking into the small but welcoming shop, you will find Swarovski Crystal Jewelry, furniture, home décor, primitives, wall hangings, mittens, scarves, cards, gourmet food and much more.
Michael said this week that he is excited about his store and new location, and that the recent grand opening was a big success.
“The store had its strongest one-day sale ever,” he said of the grand opening, held November 16th. “And I’m very excited about this location. We’ll have a lot to offer out customers.”
Michael works with a number of local vendors to stock his store, and does some of the furniture re-purposing and jewelry-making himself.
Michael said that Envious Jewelry & Boutique will have two sales coming up: 20% off your purchase of $75 or more when you donate an unwrapped new toy to the Toys for Tots drop off box in the store and an offer of $10 off your purchase of $75 or more on Small Business Saturday November 30, 2013 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
“Even as a 17 year old I support local causes and donate to various programs that benefit the community,” Michael said. “Anyway I can help the unfortunate, I try to do. I love what I do and I care deeply about each and every one of my customers.”
Envious Jewelry & Boutique is open Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6 PM and Saturday 9AM to 5PM.
Video interview:
I wish you the best of luck!
Didn’t hear about this store, glad I read this. Coming to Mason this weekend to shop. We’ll make a stop here!
Wow what a great store. If you are looking for cute meaningful unique Christmas gifts this is the place! I went there opening day and I was very impressed:)
I will have to stop by the store went to school with your dad years ago. Good luck in your venture.
Yes USME, My Dad is Jay.
Is this Jays son????