Fans of graphic tees and feminine frills have a new place to shop in Bishop Arts. After COVID-related delays, the area's newest boutique, Caffeinated Beauty Bar, is officially open for business.
Co-founded by Brooke Allen, a Dallas entrepreneur with a passion for retail, Caffeinated carries size-inclusive women's clothing, jewelry, accessories and skincare, such as the CBD-infused line Fitish.
Pieces are handpicked to reflect a range of transitional styles that can be taken from day to night, styled for almost any occasion.
"We focus on a younger clientele," says Allen. "I look for clothing to fit an age range of about 23-33. I think it's a really great time in a woman's life. You have to graduate your closet into more adult pieces but still want to look feminine and fun."
"Feminine and fun" would certainly be used to describe standout pieces like the Buddylove "Sophia Red Hot" dress ($114), "Sandra Fruity Pebbles" dress ($88), and "Jumbie Aruba" romper ($75).
Caffeinated Beauty Bar first started as a blog and is heavily inspired by Riffraf, a boutique in Fayetteville, Arkansas. While attending the University of Arkansas, Allen discovered Riffraff and founder Kirsten Blowers Morman, who's since been recognized on Forbes 30 Under 30.
"I was super inspired by her story," says Allen. "Even after I left [Arkansas] and came back to Dallas, I kept watching her."
Last year, Allen co-founded Caffeinated Beauty Bar as an e-commerce store and by-appointment-only boutique in Southlake. (The name, by the way, is explained in the motto on the website: "Caffeinated: For the woman who knows her worth, creates her own path, and is humble enough to admit she's on her third cup of coffee.")
Allen never lost sight of her dream to open a brick-and-mortar storefront. In addition to bringing women pieces that she would wear, she hopes to create a company culture that will allow her to give back to other young women.
"I really wanted to own a business because I felt like there was such an opportunity to create an environment where you can pour back into your employees," says Allen. "I have such a passion for leadership. I wanted to be able to give back to girls that are where I was, when I was 18 or 19. As we grow, I want them to be able to grow with the company. That's something I'm really passionate about."
Caffeinated Beauty Bar was initially slated to open in March, but the opening date was postponed due to coronavirus shutdowns.
The shop is now fully open for business and taking measures to ensure the safety of shoppers and employees, such as curbside pick-ups and hand sanitizer at the entrance.
"We want to cultivate an environment that people don't want to leave," says Allen. "Our next goal is to get a warehouse and really grow the e-commerce business. From there, we've talked about the possibility of opening more locations and creating our own collection one day."
Caffeinated Beauty Bar is at 250 N. Bishop Ave. #140, Dallas. Hours are 12-9 pm daily.
The store carries easy, breezy tanks and dresses by Buddylove.
