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SALT LAKE CITY — Inside a refurbished silver Airstream travel trailer, clothing, accessories and jewelry doll up the small area of retail space. Simple chic to funky and bohemian styles drape from hangers and are displayed on walls as shoppers examine the details in each unique thread.
Since June, boutique owner and clothing designer Ali Burgess keeps shopping enthusiasts happy by traveling city to city with her mobile boutique store — Stilo Stream.
"I wanted to create and keep an intimate way of shopping," she said. "Too many people shop online and don't get out of their house."
The mobile boutique, named after the Italian word meaning "style," carries limited inventory but provides ever-changing styles, for both men and women. Burgess finds joy in providing unqiue pieces to her customers and hopes they can feel confident in her clothing.
"I feel sad when women don't feel good about their bodies," she said. "I encourage styles that cater to each person individually. The inventory changes a lot, keeping the pricing moderate. I am always on to new styles. I don't want everyone to have the same outfits."
Though Burgess has seen successful since opening just a few months ago, she knew this journey for her would not be an easy one.
"We knew permits, parking, taking down the inventory and putting it back up at each location would be some of the trials," she said. "With only 16 to 17 feet of retail space, we have to find a way to cater to everyone's needs."
Fortunately, her family and passion have been a driving force behind her experience, despite any challenges that come with opening a small business. Burgess's sister, Anita Rice, said Stilo Stream offers an experience most shoppers don't get from simply shopping online or going to the mall.
"Shopping is fun and personable — that is what Ali brings to the community," Rice said.
Since opening, Burgess feels that Stilo Stream has created a way for people to make new friends and have fun.
"When people shop here, they become like family," she said. "What you are buying and what you experience is special."
In the coming year, Stilo Stream will continue to travel and find new locations and buyers. On average, Burgess spends about five or six hours stationed at a location and visits different cities or neighborhoods upon request.
"It's been fun," she said. "People invite me to their neighborhoods, and I'll do block parties. I'm also in Park City every Wednesday at the Farmers Market."
Potential customers can schedule a private event or follow the mobile boutique @stilostream to set locations.
For more information, contact Ali Burgess at stilostreamboutique@gmail.com or visit stilostream.com.
You can reach Lauren Rose Spencer on Twitter @laurenrose324.
