By Michael J. Brooks / Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Tween Queens celebrated its Grand Opening on Wednesday, March 29, with a ribbon-cutting assisted by Helena Mayor Mark Hall. The shop is owned by Lori Tatum who also operates Oh My Sole next door to the new boutique.

“We had a ‘soft opening’ on March 7,” Tatum said. “We’re glad to be in Old Town Helena. We’re part of the Helena Business Association and we are happy to work with other businesses in the area. We’ll maintain the same hours as the other businesses, including the First Fridays that begin again on April 7.”

Old Town merchants on First Friday will be open from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

“We’re always happy to have new business in Helena,” Mayor Hall said. “Old Town has taken off since last year and we’re glad to see a new business like Lori’s.”

Tatum worked retail in shoes early in her career and then for AT&T for 17 years. She opened Oh My Sole in April, 2015.

Keith Tatum, Lori’s husband of 16 years, who also serves as his wife’s bookkeeper, said he’s excited about the new store.

“Lori excels in this atmosphere,” he said. “She loves fashion and clothes in general. And she has the kind of personality that makes it hard not to like her!”

Tatum explained that Oh My Soul carries ladies’ clothing, footwear and accessories. Her new store, by contrast, will carry children’s clothing.

“We have girl’s sizes from 7/8 and graduate to ladies’ large for older girls,” she said. “Our children’s clothing will be very fashionable. We also stock accessories such as sunglasses, caps, jewelry, handbags, fingernail polish, beach totes and towels. And we do monogramming.”

Tatum said her businesses support the Helena Belles, the service organization for high school co-eds, several of whom assisted in the grand opening, and the annual Spring Cleaning and other activities in Helena.

“We Old Town businesses have learned what our citizens like and we want to be good neighbors,” she said.

Old Town is the location of Helena’s original business district and has been restored in recent years with unique shops and restaurants.

Tween Queens will open from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday – Saturday. The shop is located at 4035 Helena Road. The telephone number is 663-1010.