making candy apples at the Eclectic Chic Boutique
bags for sale at the Eclectic Chic Boutique

ABOUT US

The items we offer in our shop are either handmade, locally sourced, created in small batches, are originally designed, or upcycled. We work directly with our vendors and curate the items that come into our shop for quality and intention. Our goal is to connect our customers to some of their local favorites and introduce them to new vendors they may have never discovered. We see each vendor as a member of our community and help give them a chance to shine. Let us help you find the perfect gift or that special item you are looking for.

jewelry at Eclectic Chic Boutique

OUR MISSION

At The Eclectic Chic Boutique we strive to be a unique, diverse, and inclusive company. Our mission is to help our partnering vendors grow. We help to provide them with new opportunities that can develop into prosperous and meaningful relationships. Our goal is to act as an extension of their business. We can help them expand their reach and gain more exposure. To our customers, we are known as a space where everyone is welcome to come and experience creativity in a number of ways. We are a place where patrons know they can find high quality products.  Products that are created with intention.  Products, whose purchase, directly supports the local creative community. We are mindful of our impact on the environment and strive to work towards sustainability and minimizing waste. The Eclectic Chic Boutique is proud of our assortment of upcycled items. These are products that were once one kind of item but have been redesigned, manipulated, or transformed into a new item.

hands held showing racial diversity

DIVERSITY / EQUALITY / INCLUSION

Our goal is to help everyone feel welcome and safe in our space. We strive to create an environment of belonging and empowerment. The Eclectic Chic Boutique believes that communication and creativity helps to bring everyone together. In addition, we have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of gender, race, identity, ability, orientation, or creed.  And we pride ourselves on having a welcoming space for those of all walks of life, this includes respecting pronouns, identities, and choices.

In addition, the majority of our displays on the main floor are mobile, so we can make our shop more accessible for those with assistive devices or those who can experience our store better with a bit more space.

hands held showing racial diversity
happy customers at Eclectic Chic Boutique

OUR PHILOSOPHY ON GIFTS

At The Eclectic Chic Boutique we believe that gifts are a special opportunity to show the recipient that you care and that you are thinking about them. While we do follow traditional gift giving holidays and celebrations, our approach to helping customers find the perfect gift is not so traditional. We help our customers find gifts based on the recipient’s personal interests and personality rather than focusing on gender, age, or familial role. We believe this approach helps give gifts a truly personal feel. Custom and personalized gifts are our specialty. Since we work with local makers and designers, your gifts can be tailor made for your recipient. In addition, we can create gift arrangements and gift boxes, so your gift can stand out and make your recipient feel special. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, we were voted Best Gift Shop in Essex County New Jersey by Suburban Essex Magazine.

Kristen Zachares at Eclectic Chic Boutique

OWNER AND FOUNDER

Kristen Zachares founded The Eclectic Chic Boutique February 2017. After 6 years of professionally creating crafts and bringing them to a variety of markets, shows, and festivals her unique enterprising spirit took off. Over the years she created a network of artists and artisans. Some she met at the various shows, some through her memberships at various entrepreneurial organizations. She found the majority of artists she met wanted to be makers not business people. They found it challenging to make product and market a business. Kristen was inspired to help these artists since she understands the challenge from first hand experience. She found the passion and energy within herself to market and promote artists' work. The Eclectic Chic Boutique was founded. Although Kristen teaches craft classes and creates her own line of crafts, her true passion lays in helping others and creating a community of creative personalities.

Kristen Zachares at Eclectic Chic Boutique

STOP BY AND SAY HI!