written by Marvella Nesbitt
Speaking Pieces Boutique, situated in McDonough, Georgia, is more than just a store- it's a destination for a unique and enjoyable shopping experience. Owner Sonji Monroe greets shoppers with a warm welcome and a radiant smile. The boutique offers a wide array of clothing, jewelry, accessories, and artwork, providing an eclectic retail adventure. Sonji's dedication to fashion is evident in the carefully curated selection offered at her boutique. The owner's grandmother inspired the boutique's name. Sonji reminisces, "When she saw an appealing outfit, she would say, 'That's a speaking piece. That's talking to me.'"
Sonji's aspiration of owning a business materialized when she was hesitant about rejoining the business world after being a stay-at-home mom. She shares, "I desired more flexibility in raising my son, and I've always had a passion for fashion and styling people."
Sonji's apparel collection includes leisure wear, jeans, chic T-shirts, casual and elegant dresses, church hats, fascinators, gloves, statement jewelry, evening attire, plus sizes, and more. Additionally, she offers styling services by appointment to help women personalize their styling needs for photography sessions, birthdays, and special events, all tailored to individual clientele's needs and preferences. When clients discover their visual esthetic, she refers to it as "the sweet journey." It is more than a service; it is a moment of empowerment and discovery.
Moreover, Monroe's clientele is as diverse as her clothing options. Her customer base spans from young adults to a group she affectionately deems "the older divas. "I have a lot of sorority sisters who shop here, too. I maintain an inventory of pinks, reds, and blues, specifically for them."
Speaking Pieces exemplifies not just a boutique but an actively engaged community member. Monroe firmly believes in giving back and supporting her local community, and she is proud to be a part of McDonough, Georgia. She divulges, "I stay involved and volunteer in various capacities. I don't know anything else. I had parents that gave back, and anytime you give back, you get it back 10 to 100 fold; I'm a witness to that. My customers come back, and I'm well connected." Sonji also partners with and endorses the works of local artist Welsey Morgan, whom she met at a jazz bar while he was completing a mural. Monroe and Morgan joined forces when she was relocating to her current space and proposed to showcase his work in her boutique rather than Wesley store his creations away from public view. His one-of-a-kind beaded artwork adorns the walls of her store and is available for purchase.
As Sonji approaches the milestone of twelve years in business, she reflects on her accomplishments and the relationships she has fostered along the way. Negotiating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be her most trying period. She graciously affirms, "This journey has been a rollercoaster, but through it all, it has really satisfied my dream of owning a boutique. Just the relationships I have gained have been beautiful. I have a loyal customer base, which brings me immense joy. I am a Florida transplant, but I feel at home."
Speaking Pieces Boutique is located at 226 Jonesboro Road in McDonough, Georgia. You can shop online at www.speakingpieces.com. For more information, follow Speaking Pieces Boutique on Facebook or Instagram.
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