Shop Local: Cocoa Crush

I stopped in recently to chat with owner Ekena Brown to learn more about everything that Cocoa Crush has to offer (and will be going back soon for a little retail therapy as well!) 

Why Carriage Crossing for your first location? 

The Shops of Carriage Crossing was chosen for my first location because it offers a vibrant shopping experience that aligns perfectly with the vision of my boutique. Carriage Crossing is not just a shopping center; it's a lifestyle destination that attracts a diverse and fashion-forward clientele, which is exactly the audience I want to reach. Also, Collierville is a growing and affluent area that helped position my boutique to serve customers who appreciate unique fashion and personalized service. 

What inspired the concept of Cocoa Crush? 

My inspiration to create Cocoa Crush came from my deep love for bold and elegant fashion that focuses on empowering women to express their unique style. I wanted to create a boutique that offered more than just clothing. I wanted our clients to have curated experiences where every piece tells a story, and every visit feels like you are shopping with your best friend. 

The name Cocoa Crush embodies warmth and richness that reflects my love of chocolate. With chocolate being the universal language of love, I believe every woman's love for shopping is the perfect crush. 

The idea was to create a space where every woman could find something that resonates with her personality, whether she's looking for a statement piece or an everyday item. Cocoa Crush is all about celebrating the diversity of women's fashion while providing a space that feels inviting and inspiring. I wanted to build a brand that not only offers high-quality stylish clothing and accessories, but also fosters a sense of community amongst women who share a passion for fashion, community, and self-expression. 

What do you feel sets Cocoa Crush apart from other boutiques? 

At Cocoa Crush, we carefully select each piece with our customers in mind, focusing on quality, style, and versatility. We pride ourselves on providing a personalized shopping experience,

whether online or in-store. We genuinely listen to our customers, offering personalized styling advice and ensuring that every visit to Cocoa Crush is warm, welcoming, and inspiring. It’s like shopping with your Boutique Bestie! 

What’s your favorite part about owning Cocoa Crush? 

I love seeing women walk into Cocoa Crush, while pinpointing beautiful items that truly resonate with them. Our vision contributes to the community approach in building incredible connections that link women to share their stories while sipping wine, feeling supported, beautiful, and confident. 

Any fun upcoming events we should know about? 

First up, we’re hosting a **Fall Fashion Preview Night**. This event will feature a sneak peek at our upcoming Fall collection, complete with styling tips, exclusive discounts, and a chance to pre-order your favorite pieces before they hit the shelves. It’s going to be a fabulous evening with light refreshments and some fun surprises, so be sure to bring your friends! 

2nd **Ladies’ Night Out** event, where we’ll be partnering with other local businesses for an evening of shopping, mingling, and pampering. Think mini-makeovers, pop-up shops, and even a few giveaways. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with other women in the community. 

3rd **Women in Business Workshop** later this Fall. This workshop will cover everything from branding to digital marketing, with expert speakers and plenty of networking opportunities. It’s a great way to gain insights and inspiration whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level. 

We’re really excited about these events and can’t wait to share them with our Crush Cutie Community! 

How can people shop with you/keep up with what’s happening with the boutique? 

They can follow us on our Social Platforms and Sign-up for our weekly emails. Keep an eye on our social media and newsletter for more event details and dates because we have a forthcoming announcement that we can’t share just yet, so make sure you follow us on social media!