Kelly Berkey always thought she’d end up in France, but she fell in love with Easton along the way! Shop her eco-boutique Belle Âme for sustainable and locally made clothing, jewelry, accessories and more.
Kelly Berkey
Owner
Tell us about the vibe inside Belle Âme Eco-Boutique.
The design of the boutique was inspired by my travels to southwest France. The boutique has a warm worn-in feeling—romantic and comfortable with just enough opulence to make you feel spoiled. Over 90 percent of the materials used are upcycled from around the Lehigh Valley and, of course, I had many specialty items shipped in from France, including a sink and all the faucets! There was a funky pole in the middle of the space that my contractor wrapped an actual tree around and turned it into the most incredible light fixture that also displays product. Belle Âme is worth the trip just to see the space!
Where does the name Belle Âme come from?
Belle is my granddaughter’s middle name. Âme means “soul” in French, so I combined the two to create Belle Âme Eco-Boutique. [My granddaughter] is only three years old and already has her own quirky fashion style! I can’t wait for her to play dress-up here and travel with her Nana to France to help buy clothing and essentials for the boutique.
Tell us about your passion for sustainability and the decision to open an eco-boutique.
Back in 2009 was when I first remember learning about the fashion industry being the number two polluter of the world and the human trafficking of women that is so prevalent in the making of clothing and materials. I was shook to the core over what our need for consumption meant to the planet and its people. Shopping secondhand was the only way to help the environment at the time, but I’ve witnessed women rise up and create brands that do things differently over the course of the past 10 years. I’m proud to say the brands I carry are women-owned and have the least impact on the environment through the use of sustainable materials, eco-dyes and small-batch creation. This greatly reduces landfill. These women owners also ensure that all workers get paid living wages. On top of that, most of them give back to their communities in ways that are close to their hearts, so they are socially good as well!
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Tell us more about the eco-friendly products available.
Where to start? Sustainable clothing is so yummy; everything is incredibly soft and comfortable and makes you feel like a goddess. [We carry] yoga wear that’s not only sustainable, but healthy for your skin. There are gorgeous market bags and purses from Morocco, Bali and Madagascar, boho floral and sage bundles, the most gorgeous locally made macramé and also handcrafted bespoke jewelry and environmentally conscious home goods. All focus on intentional living, treasured self-care, good vibes and effortless elegance.
What is one item that is constantly flying off the shelves?
Jumpsuits! I sell them as fast as I bring them in, and dresses with pockets. It’s almost a thing, or maybe it is a thing, but once I point out a dress has pockets, it’s gone!
Tell us about your own jewelry-making process!
I’ve been making hand-stamped personalized jewelry since 2009. I use old-world methods of hand stamping each letter and design into sheets of metal, which I then cut, file, sand, shape and tumble. I’ve sold over 50,000 items all around the world and love that each piece is completely unique, just like the person wearing it! I can also collaborate with customers in creating custom pieces to add that extra level of individuality to their jewelry. I work in sterling silver, gold and rose-gold-filled materials. I have my “jeweler’s cove” where I create jewelry right in the middle of the boutique so everyone can peek in to see my tools and process. Jewelry is one of the oldest types of archaeological artifacts used to adorn the body!
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What’s an item that readers may be surprised to learn that you carry?
Probably the trotteuse (secondhand) clothing I buy in France. My trip in March of this year was cancelled due to flight restrictions, and the dozen or so items I had from my trip in 2019 sold in 15 minutes! Once travel restrictions are lifted, I’m on my way again to stock up the boutique with my treasured finds. I teach my women’s art retreats there so I’ll be going a few times a year to bring back not only trotteuse clothing, but also new items and essentials as well. Everyone needs a little French influence in their lives!
Talk a little about the workshops/retreats you hope to host in 2021.
Eat.Paint.Love. art retreats’ future home base will be in southwest France! Outer Banks, North Carolina, will also stay a yearly retreat spot as well as small workshops right here in the boutique.
What do you love about being located in Easton?
I had this vision I’d end up in France but on my way to making that happen, I stumbled on this little gem of a city and it stole my heart. Easton has a bit of a French feel—it’s walkable, aesthetically beautiful, has excellent restaurants, easy accesses to organic and local-grown food, has amazing trails along the river and the people are incredibly welcoming and supportive. Having a shop in the downtown historic district is a dream; patrons become family and business owners rally around each other when a helping hand is needed. What’s not to love about Easton? Come see my “I love Easton” charm necklace I created to show my appreciation of this beautiful city!
Is there anything you’re excited about offering this holiday season?
Hugs! I opened my doors on November 30 of 2019 with only the front part of my boutique finished. After being closed down in March because of COVID, I spent about a week on the couch crying. Then I realized that I was going to lose everything if I didn’t commit to finishing what I started, so I pushed through. And I’ve had an overwhelming response to the feel-good vibes of the space and products. People really appreciate the love that is poured into our handmade, eco-friendly goods. It has been very fulfilling to share thoughts with my customers about the impact we can all have on the world by being more conscientious. It has been incredibly soul satisfying, but what’s that all worth if we lose our ability to embrace one another?
34 N. 2nd St., Easton | 484.903.1211 | belleameecoboutique.com
