Two new businesses open at Prairie Hills Galleria
Sept. 12, 2019
A boutique and an eyelash studio are the latest businesses to open at the new Prairie Hills Galleria.
The two-story building at 69th Street and Western Avenue is almost full.
Leela & Lavender, a North Dakota-based boutique, opens today. It was founded in 2017 by Laura Polanski and Jill Shea, who met while working together at teen retailer Vanity.
The Sioux Falls store is its sixth location.
“We really focus on the experience at Leela & Lavender,” Shea said. “We design our stores to feel like a home, a gathering place.”
There’s a bar with a television designed for guys accompanying female shoppers or for kids who want to watch TV.
“It’s just a nice, bright, casual California vibe in the store,” Shea said.
The 3,000-square-foot space is filled with women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and gifts. Brands include denim by Paige, Citizens of Humanity and Flying Monkey. Apparel labels include Free People, Sanctuary and BB Dakota as well as a Leela & Lavender label. Shoes include Marc Fisher and Sorel.
The co-founders credit their market niche for helping them grow to six stores in less than two years.
“We have something in the market that really isn’t out there,” Polanski said. “People still do want to shop. They want human connection, and you can’t get that with online. You can’t get an experience online.”
The store will be available for private shopping parties and offer opportunities to shop for charitable causes.
A grand opening that continues through the weekend will include snacks and adult beverages. The owners hope to secure a beer and wine license to offer beverages going forward.
“We love this area,” Polanski added. “We think it’s fantastic. And it’s convenient for our customer to get in and out.”
Hours will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
The store’s neighbor, Amazing Lash Studio, has been open for a couple of weeks and will hold its ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. today.
The franchise location is owned by Lisa Wichman and her daughter April Buysse, who is managing it.
“We both saw Amazing Lash Studio’s great product, customer service and elegant atmosphere firsthand,” Buysse said. “After such great experiences, we researched the company further and were intrigued by the possibility of franchise ownership.”
Amazing Lash Studio offers semi-permanent eyelash extensions meant to replicate the curve and size of natural lashes. The business uses a patented application process it says allows licensed estheticians and cosmetologists to complete the service in a fraction of the time required at traditional outlets. The shop has private lash application suites.
“We already knew we loved the product, but we also found strong growth in the franchise as well as the category, and combined with great corporate support, we knew that Amazing Lash Studio would be a great fit for us,” Wichman said.
Arizona-based Amazing Lash Studio was founded in 2010 and began franchising in 2013. It has 230 studios in 23 states.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Another new business coming to the Galleria, Tavern 180, has started work on its space. The gastropub is expected to be open before the end of the year.
