ABOUT US

The Eclectic Chic Boutique is a mobile gift shop that features handmade crafts and curated gifts. We are a LGBTQ+ and Neurodiverse owned business. Some items are made in house and others are made by artists and creatives that we work with or source from.

We also work together with local artists and venues to organize community craft events, parties and private workshops.

We believe in creating community, making fun memorable experiences, and creating opportunities for the vendors we work with.

DIVERSITY / EQUALITY / INCLUSION

Our goal is to help everyone feel welcome and safe in any space we are working in. 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.

We pride ourselves on turning any space we work out of a space for those of all walks of life, this includes respecting pronouns, identities, and choices.

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

Our History

2018 - We opened our brick-and-mortar store in downtown Montclair
2019 - We win our first Best of Essex award for best gift shop in Essex County New Jersey
2020 - We temporarily closed our shop during the Covid 19 pandemic and start hosting virtual classes online. We shipped DIY Kits across the country and around the world.
2021 & 2022 - We win Best of Essex again for best gift shop in Essex County
2026 - We close our brick-and-mortar shop in July to become a mobile business.