Support Bette Boutique's Comeback Post-Helene

Hi friends...

I have to preface this by telling you that it feels so strange be reaching out to you from behind a computer screen. Over the course of 14+ years of growing Bette, we have never done the online thing. Bette has never been in the business of "filling orders."

I spend time getting to know our guests- finding out where they're traveling from, where they're staying, how they like the Biltmore, what else they plan to do in Asheville. I don't spend time looking at a screen to see what's been ordered, needs to be rung up, packed up and shipped out. I always say, if I'm busy doing "that" then I don't have time for "this conversation" and Bette is about the conversation and the connection and that is why people come back and see us year after year after year.

In our community, over the course of 14 years, Bette has become the Truvy's in Steel Magnolias. It's a place women come to share on a good day. Sit on a bad day. Or just come to visit. We have sold her a dress for her daughter's prom and now she's buying her mother-of-the-bride luncheon outfit. The same daughter is now buying a dress to wear to her baby shower. No exaggeration... One of the last sales the day before the storm, Laura came in and bought a blue dress for her baby shower, the same Laura that years ago I had prayed for the forecast to improve in time for her outdoor wedding ceremony at the Biltmore... it ended up being glorious that day and I remember giving her the biggest hug when I saw her the next time!

My point is that we do more than sell clothes at Bette Boutique. We are in the business of making women feel good about themselves. We are in the business of supporting each other. We give advice. We share. We are a collective! And boy if those walls could talk!!! I can't begin to express how much I already miss going into the shop every day and wondering who I'm going to meet that day or who is going to come visit. The important thing is that we are rebuilding and we are coming back. Its just going to take a minute.

On September 27, Helene sure did a number on our Village and specifically on our gem of a cottage. So much floated down the Swanannoa early that morning... things the river couldn't take though are my grit, determination and love for our community. These remain stronger than they ever were.

Rebuilding from the wreckage is going to take time. Right now- we are literally losing our busiest and most lucrative season of the year. From a business perspective, it also just happens to be the most expensive season for inventory- fall cashmere costs a whole lot more than t-shirts in the spring. Therefore, time is of the essence and AND Bette doesn't have time to wait! It is our duty and our calling to get you in your fall looks and holiday fits as soon as possible!

The shop will be in a temporary location until the building and Historic Biltmore Village is back to being a shiny beauty. Some of the things that were destroyed were.... EVERYTHING we had accumulated over the course of 14 years- we are starting from scratch! Every mannequin, pen, bag, table, display item... all gone! By the time we reopen, we will have lost over a month of sales and we still have to purchase inventory to reopen. We have to replace everything and if you've seen any of my IG posts, it will all be out of pocket. The insurance will cover the building and none of the items inside. You don't realize how expensive it is simply to open the doors until you have to buy it ALL AT ONCE! (slightly terrifying).

People have been asking since Day One what they can do to help. I truly didn't know what to even ask because it was a hurry up and wait situation until we truly knew what we were dealing with and it was even safe to get into the buildings to see what the damage was. In my little "non-contractor", "what supply chain shortage" brain, I was hopeful we would be open and operating by the end of the year. Well, lets just say what a builder said: "Ma'am with all due respect, that ain't gonna happen." He was polite and honest and those were words I needed to hear. Brutal truth to my retail brain that I am missing holiday season in the village. PIVOT! (I hate that word) At least now I know and now I have a plan and I need your help to keep Bette going "on the road" until we "can go back home" (Thomas Wolfe reference IYKYK).

It is so uncomfortable and strange to ask from the community that I love giving back to, but right now I am asking. I'm not only asking for my shop, but also for so many small, female brands that I carry. Bette truly has a ripple effect. All of my denim and cotton lines are "Made in America", all but one of my reps are female and all of my showrooms are owned by women. Once we survived Covid, it was my mission to give back to as many female owned businesses around the country and I just need your help to get us back up and going and then going strong again in this transition period, so that I can continue to do that!

If you are still reading... thank you! You know I have never told a short story, so why start now? PLEASE! lets get these donations flowing so I can see all of your amazing faces soooo much sooner than "months into 2025." Its only been three weeks and I miss you guys so much!!! As soon as I sign the lease, I'll be making the official announcement and then will begin working on painting and getting everything ready and gorgeous for you! No donation is too small... seriously! "just buy me a coffee" if that feels right? Please stay positive everyone. Please. We need elevation- for ourselves. for each other. for our community. Do not let the gloom & doom conversations take you down. Keep rising!!!

Okay.. I gotta run! So many things to do today! I miss you! I love you! Can't wait to see you! xxTara