FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Blueberry Gal Boutique Owner Tina Weldon, a retired school teacher, hosted a grand opening Aug. 5.
Before the ribbon cutting, Weldon spoke with The Tribune, saying Blueberry Gal has been around for about 21 years.
“I started it out because I had a little girl and i was buying super expensive, ruffly clothes,” she recalled, saying her husband pointed out that they were spending too much on garments. “So I learned to sew, and I started making her garments, and when I did, other people wanted to start buying them, too.”
About six years later, she said, her daughter wanted to wear clothes with tags in them. “So I branded Blueberry Gal, and then as she grew up, I started transitioning away from sewing and into women’s clothing, and Blueberry Gal just stuck.”
Weldon may have stepped away from the sewing machine, but she still makes hair bows and jewelry.
A resident of Fairview, she had a previous location; however, she said, she felt God was calling her to the classroom, so she went back to teaching. “I always did this on a small scale, or just on social media, so it’s always been alive.”
Blueberry Gal is Weldon’s passion and where she felt she was meant to be. “I prayed, and God literally – he, he provided the money, he provided when I would doubt; he would just solidify, ‘This is what you’re supposed to be doing.’”
Weldon shared that she loves people, and enjoys connecting to others.
“It just feels so natural, and I’m just super excited,” she said, adding that she hopes that even if people come in and don’t purchase anything they will leave with some hope in their hearts. “I’m hoping this can be a really good ministry, just an outreach to people who – you don’t have to buy anything, you can just come in and make a friend.”
Blueberry Gal Boutique carries extra small to plus sizes and if able can even take requests. Weldon said that because she owns her own building, it allows her to keep prices low and reasonable. “I don’t want anybody to come out and feel like they can’t shop because they have to be of some social background.”
If you pop in around lunchtime, you may even get to meet her two friendly staff members Callie Long and Cali Golden. Said Weldon, “God just placed them in my path at the perfect time and I have no doubt that they are going to crush it.”
Weldon thanked all her supporters, but most of all her mother and father, Jana and Dennis Lloyd.
Blueberry Gal Boutique is located just off of Alabama Highway 69 at 1668 Wesley Ave. N in Fairview. Find out more at Facebook/Blueberry Gal.
