STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Christie Murphy, 26, fondly remembers playing with her toy cash register while dreaming about what her store would look like someday.
"My nana, my dad's mother, actually owned a very popular clothing boutique on New Dorp Lane in the 1970s," said Murphy, noting her grandmother's store, Carnaby West Ltd., was known for its unique flare, funky style and one-of-a-kind pieces.
"Many of (apparel items) were actually made by my nana herself. I was absolutely fascinated by her endless stories about the store, and her excursions into Manhattan to pick out all the latest trends. I dreamed about one day following in her footsteps and opening my own clothing boutique," admitted Murphy.
However, her teenage years distracted her from this goal.
"As I grew into a very confused teenager, I started losing interest in the fashion industry and couldn't picture myself going to school for fashion," she said, noting that after high school, she went to college and bounced around from major to major.
"I studied everything from dental hygiene, to childhood education to psychology, but never received a degree in any field. I never finished anything I started, simply because I wasn't willing to settle for just any career that I knew was not meant for me," added Murphy.
A MOMENT OF TRUTH
It wasn't until a friend asked why Murphy didn't follow her childhood dream to open her own clothing boutique that she was inspired to launch her own business.
"I've always been a fear-based individual, very practical, an extreme over-thinker, and very rational... So the idea of starting up my own business scared the life out of me. I gave it some thought, and within days I started looking for a location," said Murphy.
In May 2016 Murphy's dream came true when she opened Mystic Earth Boutique on Arthur Kill Road in Charleston.
"The store has been absolutely blissful ever since (opening). My customers have been incredible, and the feedback has been fantastic," she said.
"I love being able to meet all these new people and share stories with them about life and trusting the universe, following our hearts, creating our happiness, and appreciating every single second of every single day. I'm just having a lot of fun," added Murphy.
MYSTIC EARTH VIBE
Everything from the decor to the apparel and accessories for sale can be described as earthy, bohemian and chic. The flowing tunics and dress lines carried by Mystic Earth can also be viewed as simple and classic.
"I would compare our style to stores similar to Free People, Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville. Clothing boutiques have been on the rise more recently on Staten Island, and I just wanted to create something different for my shoppers," said Murphy.
The store also carries Bohemian wall tapestries, essential oils, succulent plants, dreadlock extensions, incense and hand-carved wooden burners from Tibet and India.
"We also carry blue and white sage used for burning and ridding your space of any negative energy, and to create an overall spiritually and mentally cleansed environment," she said.
BOHEMIAN INSPIRED DECOR
To keep the vibe of the store as natural, earthy and rustic as possible, Murphy handmade most of the displays from materials she found in thrift stores, she said.
"And some were even found by the curb to go to the trash. We sanded and stained every wood display by hand, including our popular 'style wall' made of several wood pallets," said Murphy.
"We also primed and acid-washed our concrete floors, as well as installed our faux-tin ceiling completely on our own. Putting all that time and physical work into the store is partly why I enjoy being here so much. It gives me such a sense of pride and accomplishment to look at my creation blossom every day," she added.
MYSTIC EARTH BOUTIQUE AT A GLANCE
Address: 4275 Arthur Kill Rd, Charleston.
Social Media: Instagram @mysticearth_boutique
New Businesses in Focus is a weekly column that relates the stories of new Staten Island businesses owners.
If you have a new business on Staten Island, e-mail porpora@siadvance.com.
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