New boutique caters to fashion needs

ALBANY — Necessity is the mother of invention, according to the saying. While Albany native Amanda Bennett did not actually invent anything, she did take a need she held in common with many area women and did something about it by opening Honeysuckle Hill, a clothing boutique catering to plus size women.

Bennett, who currently serves double duty working in the billing department of SOWEGA Ob-Gyn and running the boutique, not only struggled to find fashionable plus size clothing for herself, but also remembers seeing first hand the difficulty of others during her time working in retail.

“I worked in retail for a long time and there were lots of women who had a hard time finding what they wanted,” said Bennett. “I think it’s hard for a lot of women who are plus size to feel good about shopping for clothes, especially when they have to ask a size two saleswomen where to find larger sizes.”

To solve that problem and to fulfill her long-term dream of owning her own store, Bennett, along with help from husband Adam, decided in November of last year to make that dream a reality.

“I just felt like the time was right and I felt like this was something Albany didn’t have,” Bennett said. “So, when we found the right place and opened it up, we tried to make it a place where plus size women could feel comfortable and find quality, fashionable clothing.”

Bennett said Honeysuckle Hill carries a variety of lines and sizes ranging from extra large, roughly size 10-14, to 3X. The store carries tops, pants, skirts and dresses, as well as accessories like purses, scarves and jewelry, some of which is made locally and sold exclusively at the boutique.

The store also recently began selling Honeysuckle Hill logo T-shirts, which were designed by Bennett’s good friend, Ann Etheridge. Bennett said within two days, the store had already sold 20 shirts, which in her eyes means people are starting realize the store is there.

“The biggest thing in starting the business, obviously, was exposure and letting people know we are open,” Bennett said. “So far things have been steady and we see a lot of new customers coming in.

Although the store is geared primarily toward teenagers and women up to their early 40s, Bennett said she’s built a customer base that includes all ages.

“I certainly try to cater to a younger crowd, but we have things for everyone,” Bennett said. “In fact, a lot of my frequent customers are older women.”

While running a new store and still working part time for a doctor’s office can be difficult at times, the mother of two said the challenge has been well worth it.

While she has no current plans to run the store full time, she is in it for the long haul and hopes it will continue growing.

“I really like the location,” said Bennett. “Stewbo’s owns the building and they’ve been great…. Adam’s put a lot into getting things done inside, like the dressing area, so I feel like good things are happening. It’s exciting.”

The store is located next door to Harvest Moon at 2345 Suite B Dawson Road.