Upon entering the tucked away downtown store, The Hayloft Boutique, it’s hard not to instantly feel at home. The cozy lighting, the smell of the wood cabinets drifting through the air and various sized jars of honey for sale on antique looking shelves make the place nothing less than inviting.
The Hayloft Boutique opened right at the end of the 2014-15 school year, in the middle of April, with a second grand opening in May.
Soft dresses and tops in bright, saturated colors and peaceful neutrals are hung in large, cutout blocks of wall. Wallets are splayed across the top of the boutique’s table and boots line the perimeters of the aged tables. Brightly colored jewelry is presented on a dismantled chandelier in the center of the table and more is hung on old wooden shutters near the counter.
The owner — a tall, thin brunette with a bright smile and curly hair — comes out from the back and introduces herself as Debbe. She’s just as warm and charming as the rest of the space might suggest.
Debbe Caine is a Middletown, Ind. native. Despite spending much of her life in Florida, and the last five years traveling between the two, she was drawn back to Muncie to open her shop.
“Florida was great growing up, but then it got so busy. The bumper-to-bumper traffic was awful. Indiana is more old-fashioned, family-oriented. A smalltown feel. It’s more personal,” Caine said.
Caine owned a shop in Okeechobee, Fla., called Rodeo and Juliet — the original Hayloft Boutique.
“We were in straight country territory, out by the prairies,” Caine said, with a laugh. “But that southern country boho style is so popular down there, and it’s definitely made its way up here.”
The merchandise Caine chooses for her store is based on what she likes, what customers request and what sells. She even boasts names such as Machine Jeans and Miss Me denim.
She looks for things that are unique — yet accessible — and the clothing is definitely a best-seller in her store.
“I sell a lot of dresses, long skirts. Things that are comfortable, that’s what everybody likes. I look for soft materials. Comfortable, but still classy,” she said.
The fitting rooms are housed in a chunk of the back half of the store. Caine has set up a lounge area, complete with a large, friendly looking couch, nice lighting and fresh coffee. It’s a nice place to sit and relax between fittings, but the area also serves a specific purpose.
“I host after hours parties for customers. They can bring in drinks and snacks. Those who are of age can bring some wine. They can bring in hors d’oeuvres, whatever they like. Try some stuff on. It’s like a grownup dressup party,” Caine said. “Or come in for lunch. Some work ladies, bring your lunches in, kick-back, try some stuff on. It’s very easy going.”
Caine hasn’t seen a whole lot of student life since opening her store, but she’s expecting to see more as everyone gets moved in and settled.
“It’s a great way to get away from campus. My prices are great, and I have unique things. It’s a fun place to come hang out. I even have wifi,” she said. “And there are so many new things downtown — the toy store, restaurants and bars, apartments. Downtown Muncie went through such a long period of being practically closed down. Now it’s just changing. It’s revitalizing and it’s beautiful.”
Caine selected the downtown space because it felt right, despite not knowing about local revamping efforts.
“I didn’t even realize that’s what they were doing. We always came to dinner at Casa (del Sol) and I just really like the downtown areas. I like the atmosphere and being able to walk from place to place,” she said. “It seems like no matter where I go in the U.S., they’re revitalizing the downtown areas, and I love it. I think people want to get back to that close-knit, old-fashioned feeling.”
Caine runs The Hayloft Boutique solo for now, but plans on hiring some modest help in the future.
“I want to be here. I like to help. I like a fun place and I’m easygoing. If everybody else is happy, I’m happy,” she said.
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