The Benton Boutique, named after its host town, is a 3,000-square-foot boutique unique in the sense that not just one vendor sells their product but rather over 30 local vendors sell various items from clothes to home decor and even homemade tasty treats. 

Heather Brown Bias was previously a vendor in the current space when she discovered the renter was going to close the business down, she decided to take over the lease. From there, she expanded the space and expounded on what was already being offered in the suite. 

“I love the idea of complimentary, not competitive, boutique owners all coming together under one roof,” Bias said. “A lot of times the entry point to get yourself opened as a boutique is high…it’s hard for a boutique owner to get started. I love the idea that we can have so many entrepreneurs under one roof that can start their businesses, get their business off the ground, and if they want to open up eventually on their own, they have a springboard here.” 

Of the 33 current vendors, here are a few up-and-coming sellers to highlight. 

Fashion Envy

Fashion Envy offers trendy, high-quality women’s clothing in various sizes. This vendor has you covered from everyday staples to pieces that truly make a statement! They’ve been located within the Benton Boutique since August 2024 and have loved connecting with the local community. 

“It’s a great shared space with other incredible vendors, which makes it a vibrant shopping experience,” Marlicia Thomas, Fashion Envy owner, said. “I love the collaborative atmosphere and the chance to be a part of something bigger.” 

Fashion Envy is more than just clothing, Thomas aims to make her customers feel truly confident and excited to wear her pieces. She’s grateful for every customer who chooses to support her small business.

“When people support local businesses, it means they’re investing in their community,” Thomas explained. “It helps small businesses thrive, creates jobs, and keeps the local economy strong.” 

The best way to support this small business is to visit them in the Benton Boutique or on their website. They will be offering special promotions, gift options, and new arrivals throughout the holiday season.

A. Lynn Art

Amber Stroud of A. Lynn Art has been creating pieces for as long as she can remember. 

“I never thought to sell the paintings until I met my husband and he was like, ‘ You should sell these or at least show them to people,’” Stroud said. “Long story short, throughout my life, every time I got tired of a painting, I gave it to Goodwill. Then, Heather Bias from the Benton Boutique reached out to me. It really kicked off my paintings.” 

She’s been selling her pieces in the Benton Boutique for a few months now and is grateful for the opportunity to have her work displayed in the same town she grew up in. 

“My kids think I’m a superhero now. They watch me paint daily,” Stroud said. “Not just them, but also my husband, Trevor, constantly cheering me on, which is the coolest thing I’ve ever witnessed.” 

During the holiday season, consider buying one of A. Lynn Art’s works or order a custom piece. If your budget won’t allow for you to purchase at this time, simply share her Facebook and artwork. Word of mouth goes a long way and can help small, local artists like Amber. 

Dogwood Boutique

The Dogwood Boutique opened in 2012 from Mandy Smallwood’s home. She eventually ventured out to open an official storefront and during this time, Smallwood realized that juggling being a business owner, wife, and mom can be challenging. The Benton Boutique has provided her a way to let both worlds collide by allowing her to do both things she loves – family life and business ownership. 

“I always knew that I enjoyed creating,” Smallwood said. “And I love being able to provide a product that helps people feel good about themselves like so many of us do in new clothes.” 

Not only is her goal to make customers feel confident in themselves but she also wants them to feel like the pieces are unique and just for them. Dogwood Boutique can provide customization to their products by using screen printing, embroidery, etc. Smallwood also loves the relationship opportunities that come with owning her small business. 

“I love being able to meet so many people and form so many friendships through my business,” Smallwood said. “And spread the love of Jesus to as many people as possible!” 

If you want to support Dogwood during the holidays, she will be at many events and you can find them on her website as well as her Facebook page. 

Bagel Boss Lady 

Bagel Boss Lady is one of the only fresh bagel distributors in the Ark-La-Tex area and owners Angelyn and Duane Blake have been selling Bagel Boss Lady bagels and cream cheese in the Benton Boutique’s 318 Eats section for almost seven months. 

“It’s been there through and through since April,” Duane Blake said. “It’s good to have small boutiques because there are a lot of people who are shopping local. A lot of people are looking for different things that are not at the grocery store. There’s a lot of people who couldn’t get a kickstart without a place like the Benton Boutique.” 

Every Wednesday they deliver a variety of fresh bagels and homemade cream cheeses to this collaborative space. In their ingredients, you’ll find more teamwork with vendors like McKinney Hill Market’s pepper jelly used in one of their cream cheeses to the honey used in each bagel recipe from Always Miss Bee Haven. Both vendors are local and can be found in the Benton Boutique as well. 

Consider grabbing some bagels for breakfasts with families during the holidays or a unique present to give to your neighbor. Duane and Angelin are also the new owners of the Wooden Spoon in Bossier where you can find Bagel Boss Lady bagels and tried and true Wooden Spoon cookie baskets and sandwiches from a staple small business in Bossier. 

“Without those people to shop local, we wouldn’t be here,” Blake said. “The fact that there’s an opportunity for people to shop local, for all of these people, all these vendors, to be able to showcase their product, their work, their livelihood and share them with the local community is amazing.” 

Follow Bagel Boss Lady on Facebook to see the local restocks and special pop-ups throughout the season! 

Shop small for the holidays this year and consider stopping by the Benton Boutique. There is something for everyone!  

“Local supports local, because local dollars, the taxes I pay here go to Bossier Parish and the state,” Heather Bias, Benton Boutique owner said. “Knowing that you can support a local business, that their kids are in the local schools, they can buy groceries or they can go on vacation. You know, especially the last couple of years we’ve had a hard economy and it’s scary to be an entrepreneur and I know it.” 

*If you are contemplating taking that step into owning a small business and feel like the Benton Boutique would be a good space for you, visit their website or scan their QR code in store to complete the application to become a vendor. There is currently a waitlist for spaces and they are first come-first served.