Michelle’s Boutique now open in Rehoboth Beach

Offering women’s clothing, accessories and a unique jewelry-making experience, Michelle’s Boutique is now open on Rehoboth Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Located on the north side of the second block, Michelle’s Boutique is owned and operated by local businesswoman Michelle Barnes. The business has been open for about a month.

“So far, so good,” said Barnes. “Right now, we are focused on getting open, so we feature mostly women’s clothing and accessories, but the plan is to expand our offerings after the summer.”

The shop is Barnes’ business to run, but her business partner and fiancé Steve Akoglu is also involved. He designed and did the renovations, said Barnes.

Between the two, they own and operate The Palace and Surf & Turf Bar & Grill in Milford, and Georgetown Family Restaurant in Georgetown.

“It’s definitely something different. It’s a slower pace than a restaurant, but it’s got its own challenges,” said Barnes.

Barnes said she and Akoglu were walking on Rehoboth Avenue shortly after the previous business moved out and saw the for-lease sign. A call was immediately made and a short time later they leased the space, she said.

“We thought it probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to expand the types of businesses we have,” said Barnes.

One of the unique offerings Michelle’s Boutique has is the Pearl Discovery Experience, which allows customers to pick out an akoya oyster, open it up and make a piece of jewelry from the pearl that’s inside. There’s always at least one pearl inside, but sometimes there are two, said Barnes.

“It’s all about offering customers an experience and doing something different,” she said.

Michelle’s Boutique, 117 Rehoboth Ave., is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday. The plan is to be open year-round. A website is in the works, said Barnes.