BUCYRUS — Ally Suter is following her heartstrings. She’s turning her passion for mission work and support of the fair-trade movement into a unique boutique in the heart of downtown Bucyrus.
Without Borders Boutique, formerly located at 1687 Marion Road, has moved to 116 Washington Square. The new store offers a full line of women’s clothing in sizes 0 through 4X, along with vintage jewelry, handbags, shoes and one-of-a-kind accessories.
“Everything you purchase in here has a purpose,” said Suter, who is planning a grand opening for the store in February. “Most big towns have fair trade, but most small towns do not, so I really just want to bring that experience to Bucyrus.”
The 800-square-foot shop sells ethical goods – products that support artisans around the world while protecting animals and the environment. Knitted pieces, for example, handmade in Guatemala and other developing countries.
Her main apparel line is “Mountain Mamas,” a collection of comfortable tunics, leggings and sweatshirts designed for the everyday woman. The company donates a percentage of every piece sold to U.S. charities such as the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and donations to bring awareness to human trafficking.
Ninety percent of the fair trade goods at the store are created by human trafficking survivors and funds many of their basic needs.
Without Borders is also boasting a brand-new concept in its new location – a jewelry bar. The fellowship area, complete with coffee and cushy seats, allows customers to design their own jewelry with old charms or dozens of pieces heaped in nearby bins.
Suter, whose jewelry line is called “Junk Farey Julz,” has designed custom jewelry since high school. The line’s name is in memory of Suter’s late friend who encouraged her to peruse her passion.
She said her jewelry is the result of taking someone’s sentimental items and providing a new way to tell its story.
The mother of two opened her first retail store – 2 Begin Again Boutique – on Warren Street in Bucyrus. She moved 2 Begin Again to the Marion Road location, before recently renaming the business.
She sat down with a business advisor about six months ago to develop a new concept for Without Borders. The non-fair trade items found at Suter’s previous store may be found at a display at the Stalls at Pickwick Place north of Bucyrus referred to as The Boutique at The Stalls. The fair-trade goods are exclusively found at the Without Borders location.
Suter hopes to continue traveling around the world to meet new artists and new faces behind the fashions. She also plans to launch a new website for Without Borders, which will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This store is definitely my passion,” she said. “Because we’re always going to buy something, but we can also see how much our dollar can save lives, and change peoples’ lives. It’s just become my passion.”
