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Much like the branches of a white willow tree, Chelsea Henderson bends but never breaks under the pressures of the world.

After overcoming some challenges in life, it led Henderson to the start of her own business called White Willow Boutique.

Although her primary job has been real estate for several years, she always wanted to have her own business. “My husband and I had been praying and finally got peace to start this boutique as a side job. I began online in November 2019 and have thoroughly enjoyed it.” She said her long-term goal was to have a storefront.

“It had gotten to the point it was taking over my house and I knew it was time to venture out. I have a very good client base out of Andalusia and Brantley and was blessed with the opportunity to open up in Andalusia at the Grand Salon. I can assure you my husband and three little ones are happy to have all of the boxes and bags out of the house.” Her store has been inside the Grand Salon behind Hardees at 1500 Antioch Road in Andalusia since mid-June.

Henderson currently sells clothing for women and children. “I try to offer cute, stylish, affordable clothing for women ranging from size small to 3XL. I also have boys’ and girls’ clothing from 0-3 months and can go up to children’s 14/16. I do carry a small line of men’s T-shirts as well.” She said she has also enjoyed designing a few clothing items for children. “I have some children’s swimsuits in store now that I designed and another set hitting the racks soon,” she stated.

She said she wanted to open her own boutique for a couple of reasons. Henderson said she grew tired of going into stores and paying a large amount for just one item. She wanted to purchase clothing at a reasonable price and offer the same to her customers. “I love having women come and tell me how thankful they are to have found a place to shop for cute clothes that will not break the bank and I love being a blessing to others,” she said.

The name White Willow Boutique came to mind as one of her own inspirations. “I have always thought they were beautiful. I remember trying to come up with a name and different flowers and trees came to mind. I passed a willow and started doing some studying on it.” Henderson said she looked up the symbolism and fell in love with its characteristics. “I love how gracefully the branches flow. You can actually plant a willow tree branch in the ground, and a new tree will grow in its place. You can bend the willow branches in different ways and angles and it will not break. While looking at types of willow trees, I came across the White Willow and it just clicked,” she explained.

She is grateful to have The Grand Salon as her starting point in Andalusia. “When ladies come to get their hair done, they get to shop before and after, which has been great for business and to get the word out,” Henderson stated. Regarding the future of White Willow Boutique, she hopes to expand her company both online and in-store. “I would love to open up a store in my hometown of Brantley and plan to grow on social media. I have already been able to ship out to several states across the country but want to grow even more!”

As a child, Henderson said her church family inspired her the most. “They have always encouraged me, supported me, and taught me to be who I am today. They along with my family have been such a huge blessing in my life.” She is also very grateful to her husband Josh and The Grand Salon. “He has been my number one supporter over the past year and a half, and I couldn’t have done it without him. The ladies at the salon have been phenomenal to work with and a huge help to me since I’ve been in-store with them. I am so blessed,” she said.

In addition to her storefront, her clothes are sold online. “We post new arrivals daily on Facebook. Just search White Willow Boutique and request to join the group. We will eventually have our own website,” she said. As a convenience to customers who purchase online and cannot make it before closing, Henderson offers an after-hours pickup box.

For more information contact Chelsea Henderson at 334-222-8100. White Willow Boutique is located at 1500 Antioch Road in Andalusia and is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Plans are to add additional hours in the future.