New home goods boutique opens in downtown Amenia

AMENIA — Pretty Little Things & Co., a new gift and home goods shop owned by Millerton resident Crystal Smith, opened for business last week at 5329 Route 44, at the corner of routes 44 and 343.

The store carries Smith’s handmade creations alongside work by other local artists. Offerings include mugs, candles, handbags, hats, hair accessories, journals, birthday cards, coloring books, and permanent jewelry.

After picking up a plethora of hobbies during the COVID pandemic, Smith spent several years participating in regional craft fairs. But as inventory and demand grew, she decided to try her first physical location.

“People called it the Pretty Little Closet,” Smith said. “It was just a roadside shed on our property.”

But the car traffic didn’t translate to foot traffic, and after a year of shed life, Smith felt ready to make the leap to a proper storefront. One day, she saw a “for rent” sign in Amenia’s former tattoo parlor.

“I came home and talked to my husband about whether we should do this,” Smith said. “It’s been a dream of mine to open my own little store. And we decided to take the leap — either it’s going to be successful or it’s not, but how will I know if I don’t go for it?”

She called the property owner the next day, and signed a lease a day later.

At the soft opening on Friday, Oct. 16, Smith’s creations covered the walls amidst a chattering group of friends and family. Aside from Smith’s own work, Pretty Little Things & Co. features crafts from other local artists like A&C Creations’ soy candles and ornaments from Kristie’s Custom Arts.

Smith has lived in Millerton for 16 years, and says her family’s support has been essential to the store’s opening. Husband Brandon was born and raised in Millerton, and runs his Intricate Carpentry company throughout the tri-state area. Smith’s son, Evan Brammer, is in his first year of college. “They’re my biggest supporters,” she said. “They’ve inspired me to go for my dreams after I’ve put my life on hold for so many years.”

It all happened fairly quickly: when COVID hit and Smith had more downtime outside of her full-time job at the Elyse Harney Real Estate offices, where she works as an administrative assistant, the crafting began in earnest. First came the clay jewelry. Then the cups. Then ornaments. “I just never stopped,” she said. “I have a new hobby every month.”

Pretty Little Things & Co. will be open Thursday through Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekend. It’s located on the corner of Route 44 and Route 343, at 5329 Route 44.