March 29, 2024

‘Dirt and Gloss

Creston's uptown district welcomes its newest shop

By putting all of her hobbies into one, Melissa Heatherington introduces her boutique, Dirt and Gloss, to Creston.

“I have always been interested in in retail and business just because I have a lot of talents I enjoy as hobbies,” said Heatherington.

Dirt and Gloss

Heatherington also plans on incorporating her graphic design and photography skills into her business, as well.

Because of her interest in the equestrian world, Heatherington will be introducing different brands of denim jeans like Cinch and Grace LA.

“They’re a really great brand of work jeans because they were created by Miller International, which is a ranching company, so they’re quality and comfort is very good,” said Heatherington. “It’s just a really great brand.”

Heatherington looks forward to offering products that the community may otherwise have to drive far for. Dirt and Gloss offers men’s denim, also.

Restoration

Opening the boutique has been a process. It took Heatherington about two months to redesign the interior with new floors, paint, and the installation of tin ceiling tiles.

“The long term goal is that I would like to have help in the store and to be able to travel to different events,” said heatherington.

Heatherington would like to take her boutique items on the road to barrel races or the county fair.

She finds her insipration from the kids she coaches in archery.

“I really got to know a lot of students and I get a great idea of what they are looking for,” said Heatherington.

Heatherington as been guided by Chris Van Gelder, previous owner of Van Gelder Clothing.

“She has helped me out and given me a lot of advice,” said Heatherington.

Heatherington now rents out tuxedos for special events - a service once offered by Van Gelder.

Inspiration

The name Dirt and Gloss comes from Heatherington’s own experience and wanting to convey that girls can be an outdoors person and still be feminine.

“The dirt stands for the rural lifestyle,” said Heatherington,”The gloss stands for the girls that like to dress up.”

Heatherington wants to stress that it’s okay to be both and wants to encourage that through her local boutique.

Store hours at Dirt and Gloss are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.