Empowering West Garden
How Unique Boutique and Hair + Co are shaping community
By Jennifer Harrison / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
On West Garden Street inside Del Mar Plaza, something special is happening. It’s not just shopping. It’s not just self-care. It’s neighbors supporting neighbors, friendships forming and small businesses growing together.
A Treasure Trove with Heart
After years of buying and selling upscale resale treasures — a journey that began in Nashville — Angie Carter-Rosier thought she was easing into semi-retirement. Instead, she found herself building something even more meaningful: Unique Boutique.
The boutique is warm and welcoming. It’s the kind of place where customers are invited to slow down, browse a little longer and maybe leave with something they didn’t even know they were looking for.
“Find what you love and love what you find” is an idea Carter-Rosier has always believed in.
And that spirit is woven throughout the shop.
But Unique Boutique is more than racks of carefully chosen resale pieces.
Through partnerships with local artisans and fellow small businesses, Carter-Rosier has helped create a supportive ecosystem right on West Garden Street. The boutique features thoughtfully curated secondhand treasures, but it also gives local makers a place to share their creations — offering them exposure and connection they might not otherwise have.
At Unique Boutique, the front of our store is more than just a display—it’s a celebration of the creativity and craftsmanship of our local artisans. Each piece is thoughtfully made, bringing together a beautiful mix of gifts, décor, clothing, games, and one-of-a-kind finds you won’t see anywhere else. From meaningful keepsakes to fun, unexpected treasures, every item tells a story and supports the talented makers right here in our community.
She’s also the driving force behind the West Garden District Artisan Market, held indoors on Saturdays. Her goal is simple and steady: 14 artisans and a food truck every week. A place where families can stop by, meet the makers, grab a bite and feel part of something local.
And she’s not stopping there. Carter-Rosier is working to form the West Garden Business Association — hoping to bring neighboring businesses together so they can collaborate, cross-promote and support one another.
“Maybe,” she laughs, “I won’t have to go hunt them all down myself.”
At its core, Unique Boutique isn’t just about shopping. It’s about creating space — for creativity, for connection and for community to grow.
A Salon Built on Opportunity
Just next door, that same sense of purpose continues at Hair + Co.
For Jody Chevillet, the salon began as a personal investment. After retiring from careers in paralegal work and real estate, she invested $100,000 to build a salon with hopes her daughter would one day run it. When life took a different turn, Chevillet stepped in and discovered a new passion she didn’t see coming.
Today, Hair + Co is more than a salon. It’s a place where women build careers, confidence and community.
Inside the welcoming space are stylists earning six figures without college degrees — women who have created stability and independence through trade skills and hard work. Many are single mothers or new to the area, drawn to the flexible schedules and supportive environment.
“It’s about self-sufficiency,” Chevillet says.
Flexible hours allow her team to balance work and family life while growing professionally. Clients range from teenagers preparing for special events to seniors who faithfully keep their weekly appointments. One beloved client hasn’t missed her regular blowout in years.
From hair extensions to relaxing head spa treatments, Hair + Co offers high-quality services in an atmosphere that feels friendly and comfortable. It’s less about luxury and more about making people feel good when they walk out the door.
MORE THAN BUSINESSES
Despite construction and economic challenges, Del Mar Plaza continues to stand strong — with free parking, friendly storefronts and business owners who genuinely care about their customers.
Both Carter-Rosier and Chevillet believe in showing up for the community that shows up for them.
Shopping here isn’t just buying a dress or booking an appointment. It’s supporting a dream, helping a neighbor and keeping West Garden vibrant.
At Unique Boutique and Hair + Co, customers quickly become familiar faces. Conversations last longer than transactions. Recommendations are honest. And every visit feels a little more personal.
Together, these women are building more than businesses — they are building belonging. They’re creating gathering places where creativity is encouraged, independence is supported and neighbors feel welcome.
Because sometimes the strongest communities are built one small business at a time.
Want to go?
Unique Boutique
Where: 1625 W. Garden St., Pensacola
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday;
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday
Info: 850-285-0251;
ub-pensacola.com
Hair + Co
Where: 1627 W. Garden St.
When: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday
Info: 850-378-8366;
hairandco.salon
