Two new businesses expand at Henry Co.
Olivia Blackford curates the display for her new Backroad Shenanigans storefront. (photo submitted)
Most of Backroad Shenanigans’ children’s clothing is inspired by Western styles. (photo submitted)
mt. Pleasure — Henry County is booming with the addition of a children’s boutique in downtown Mt. Pleasant and Maleo Custom Designs, New London in partnership with Outlaw Tees.
Wednesday, February 1 Backroad Shenanigans held the official grand opening of their new storefront at 217 W. Washington St.
The boutique offers a wide range of sizes and styles for Mt.’s youngest fashionistas. Pleasant area. They even sell some bespoke clothing from boutique owner Olivia Blackford.
Blackford started Backroad Shenanigans as an online business in January 2021 with an announcement that the store will open on January 20, 2023.
“I saw that there was a demand for children’s clothing, but most people couldn’t find it,” Blackford said, which is why she opened the boutique.
According to Blackford, most of the style influences come from Western clothing, but she tries to offer options in her inventory.
Blackford will continue to post an inventory overview on the Backroad Shenanigan Facebook page.
New London welcomes new business as Outlaw Tees begins moving equipment on January 24th.
According to a press release from Outlaw Tees, Lance Ingwerson of Maleo Custom Designs will take over print production and build an Iowa facility for Outlaw Tees.
Outlaw Tees currently has an office in Navouu, IL.
In addition to their current offices, they’re moving print production to this new Iowa location so owners John and Connie McCarty can start slowing down.
“Outlaw Tees was founded in 1984 in the historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois,” says their website. “Our main business is shirting for regional auto shows. While that’s still a major part of our business, we’ve expanded into many other areas as well.”
“Lance has many years of screen printing experience and is very knowledgeable about new technologies and procedures that improve our quality and production time,” Outlaw Tees said in their press release.
The new office operated by Ingwersen is located at 113 W. Main St., New London.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com