Buy the River: First Fridays are downtown's hottest day of the month

June 6 was a First Friday with the Arts in Cape Girardeau, and the night debuted two new shops on Main Street: Lattitudes Fair Trade World Market and Ophelia. Both shops offer unique apparel and gifts to add to the eclectic mix of our downtown shops. The streets were full for First Friday, and Lattitudes featured a fine artist installation and a man spinning pottery in front of the store while passersby stopped and curiously looked on.

I met with Patrice Parson, owner of Ophelia, and Rayme Hooten-Caruso, owner of Lattitudes, to find out more about them and their inspiration for opening these new shops.

Ophelia

Before walking into Ophelia, I was distracted by the pretty lace-lined dresses and flowing blouses displayed on the sidewalk in front of the store. These items are perfect for the long summer days and nights in Cape Girardeau. Upon entering the store, I was greeted by a young lady named Brittany who beamed as she welcomed me to the store. She was just as excited as her mother was about their third day in business. Here's what store owner Patrice had to say:

Sheila: What is your background and what brought you here?

Patrice: I live in Farmington, Missouri, and am an educator. We have an Ophelia in Farmington and I felt Cape would be a great place to open an additional location. This is like a second career.

Sheila: What is your vision for Ophelia here in Cape?

Patrice: I really want it to blossom! I'm having so much fun. I just love what I do here!

Find the perfect first-date outfit or too-cute crocheted hot pants at this sweet spot. The jewelry in the cases has just as much flair as the clothes.

Lattitudes is a new shop on Main Street in downtown Cape Girardeau. (photo submitted by Sheila McKinley)

Lattitudes

If you have never been to a fair trade market, you are in for a treat. The concept of fair trade is to use commerce to enhance the quality of life of local artisans and small businesses in underdeveloped economies. Fair trade makes sure the artisans receive a fair price for their products, and all proceeds will improve their local community. It really is a humanitarian effort. Rayme is a Cape Girardeau native and strong advocate of fair trade. Meeting her definitely convinced me of her passion for the cause.

Sheila: How did you get affiliated with fair trade?

Rayme: I traveled to South America and saw how the world market worked and how it benefited the lives of impoverished women.

Sheila: Why did you open Lattitudes here?

Rayme: I feel it is a good time. I really wanted to bring culture to Cape.

Lattitudes has everything from one-of-a-kind dresses to luxurious bedding, all high quality and fair priced. This place is a cultural smorgasbord.

I am always excited about grand openings in my hometown. Stop in and visit downtown Cape's new businesses and remember to "Buy the River!"

Sheila McKinley is an independent fashion consultant working exclusively with luxury women's golf wear line Ladyb New York. After living in New York City for the better of 10 years, she has come back home to Missouri to do one of the things she does best: talk fashion. Check out her By the River blog at semissourian.com/flourish.