When Mackenzie Gaines decided to open up a boutique store, she didn’t have any trouble finding a location.

Gaines found a building at 104 W. 2nd Street in Montgomery City, where County Floors and More was located for many years before it closed in September 2019.

“When we saw it, we thought it would be a perfect spot,” Gaines said.

The grand opening of BelleEve Boutique is scheduled for 10 a.m. on March 12. The new store will sell women’s clothing, décor, jewelry, accessories, purses and shoes, plus some items from Grow2Gather in New Florence.

“I definitely want it to be a great thing for the community,” Gaines said. “I really want people to be able to take advantage of having somewhere to shop so they can feel comfortable and they can get gifts for people. I definitely want it to have a good impact for the community.”

Gaines graduated from MCHS in 2013. She worked as a registered dental hygienist before she decided to become a stay-at-home mom for her two children, Lexi and Bentley.

Three years ago, she started an online store that sold clothing and jewelry. Gaines’ husband, Andrew, came up with the business’ name, BelleEve Boutique. Belle is Lexi’s middle name.

“The reason she wanted to start a business was she was having trouble finding comfy clothes,” Andrew said.

Gaines found the building for her new store in November. Snappy Graphics in Montgomery City created the grand opening banner in front of the store.

“It’s a perfect space for it,” Gaines said. “We just really liked the charm and character of it. The window display will be a huge plus.”

The 27-year-old Gaines started working on the building in January.

“When it was warm, it was nice because we got to take advantage of painting outside the building,” Gaines said. “We didn’t know how many warm days we were going to get, so we were able to do that outside.”

Gaines said she’s happy that she’s opening a business in Montgomery City.

“I’m super excited about it,” said Gaines, who lives outside Shamrock in Callaway County, but has a Montgomery City address. “I think that’s definitely something that’s needed in this community. A lot of people are looking forward to having a place local to be able to shop.”

The store will open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturdays. Gaines said she will continue to operate her online store.

“It will be another way for people to shop,” Gaines said. “I know some people prefer to come in the store and try on things rather than buy online.”

Montgomery County senior Juanita Hadden will make a guitar performance from noon-3 p.m. on the first day of business. Gaines said she’s looking forward to the grand opening.

“We hope to see a lot of people come out and check out the building, what we have done and everything that’s new,” Gaines said. “It’s for people to kind of see it and realize that there’s a store here.”