April 25, 2024

Fine Things Times Three

By Newton Daily

Fine Things Reclaimed opened in 2016. Since then, owner Julia Prendergast has expanded the store and has added a floral store and beauty salon. (Submitted Photo)

When Julia Prendergast opened Fine Things Reclaimed the store, 205 First Ave. W., was focused on repurposing and upcycling items for home decor. The inspiration — an old barn that was being torn down on the Prendergast property. When her husband started making some cool decor, she opened up shop.

"From there it went crazy," Prendergast said about business, citing a sales increase of 50 percent from its first year.

While that business is booming, Prendergast has also expanded within the Fine Things building to add a floral store and a beauty salon.

"I'm just so optimistic," she said. "Newton is just growing and I love that. I want Newton to succeed."

Fine Things Reclaimed

Opened for Business: February 2016

About: The home decor shop specializes in furniture, decor, gifts, flowers — and fun.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

You might not know: If you bring in a piece from your home, such as a vase, box, container, etc., that you want to use for decor but need help, Fine Things has you covered. The shop specializes in upcycling and making it a fun experience.

Fresh Flowers by Fine Things

Opened for Business: July 2017

About: A full-service floral shop and delivery service that creates arrangements for any special occasion, including weddings and funerals. Also offers memory stones, balloons and lanterns.

Hours: Open for orders 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Contact Fresh Flowers by Fine Things at 641-521-8858.

You might not know: The store also rents tuxedos through a partnership with Jim’s Formal Wear. A special prom price includes everything you need from the tux to the shoes. The business also donates back to Newton's After-Prom.

Back Alley Beauty by Fine Things

Opened for Business: May 2017

About: A full-service salon for hair, waxing, airbrush makeup services and spray tan. Stylists include Monica Rae, Jessica Ellis, Melissa Jones, Crystal Burch, Christine Kuennen and Erin Yeager. Monica Rae, the manager of the salon, said the name came naturally because of how much people use the back door versus the First Avenue entrance.

“Everyone just parks out back and when we mentioned the name Back Alley, everyone was kind of like ‘I love it’,” Rae said.

Hours: By appointment

You might not know: Back Alley rents chairs part-time for stylists who might work a full-time job or have other obligations but also want to do hair.