She's got flair

The aroma of freshly-brewed coffee and tasty treats has returned to downtown New Rockford.

With its stylish interior and trendy clothes, Emma Myhre first opened Flair Boutique & Coffee in late June, just in time for the Summer Street Market.

Though customers were able to purchase and enjoy much of what Flair Boutique had to offer - such as clothes, hats, hand bags, and jewelry - the much-anticipated coffee shop wasn't quite ready.

"There were just a lot of things to go through," said Myhre on delays getting the coffee shop open. In particular, the kitchen wasn't yet state-approved, she said, as it still required new plumbing, a new furnace and a water heater.

Thankfully for Myhre, and all those patiently waiting, everything came together on Wednesday, Aug. 24, when Myhre could finally begin selling coffee and other goodies to her customers.

On the new menu are all kinds of options for those needing their morning dose of caffeine, including lattes, mochas, americanos and iced tea.

Among the various goodies offered include smoothies, scones, brownies, cupcakes and even ice cream.

Myhre, a native of Sheyenne and 2020 graduate of NR-S, said she's always wanted her own boutique, and that she's already enjoying her new career as a young business owner.

She especially enjoys meeting people from the community, she said, as well as seeing folks from other communities here in New Rockford, and, of course, ordering new clothes.

"I love clothes," said Myhre. "It's like Christmas every time a new package comes."

Flair Boutique and Coffee currently offers a wide range of stylish clothing for the fall, including shackets, sweaters and sweatshirts, with winter clothing also on its way when the time inevitably comes.

While sipping on their caffeinated beverage, customers can also find cardigans, jeans, jewelry, shoes, graphic tees, New Rockford and Sheyenne themed coffee mugs, fall and Halloween decor, and so much more.

All totaled, it's the kind of stylish boutique Myhre has dreamed of owning, with just about everything you could ask for. It wouldn't look out of place in the big city, either.

Myhre said much of the inspiration for Flair Boutique and Coffee came from boutiques in Austin, Texas, a city of nearly a million.

"My sister lives in Austin," she said, "and those boutiques there are just awesome, and I liked the western look. ... I just love the boutique feel in a small town."

Myhre is currently pursuing a business degree online through Lake Region State College, and is due to graduate next spring.

With her new business now fully operational, it may just mark the end of the beginning for Myhre and her new boutique, as she's already thinking into the future.

When asked what she's most looking forward to, she said, "I guess just seeing where my business goes. What will it be in a couple years? ... I would love to have other stores in other towns and kind of make it a bigger thing."

For now, though, Myhre's focus remains in New Rockford, where she says the community support has already been extraordinary.

"It's been unreal," said Myhre. "I was a little worried at first, but I definitely have all the small town love, and that's been really nice."

Flair Boutique and Coffee, located at 826 Central Ave., is open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. They're also open one Saturday a month. They will be open this Saturday, Sept. 10, to give shoppers headed to JunkFest in Carrington another stop along the route.

To keep up with everything Flair Boutique has to offer, be sure to follow them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/flairboutique.nd. Myhre said they get new clothes every week, and that she's planning all kinds of special drinks and treats in the coming months.

Customers can also shop online at http://www.the-flairboutique.com.