By LAURA BROOKHART/Community Columnist

JoEllen Ramsey believes that her recently opened Sassy Sisters Boutique is “what I was slated to do when I walked across the stage years ago and got my diploma in design and merchandising.”

“But I was told,” she adds, “You should be a nurse.”

“I tried to take that path, and I had some interest in being a surgical or psychiatric nurse. I had the experience of observing the surgery of a patient with whom I had established a rapport.”

“His tumor was inoperable and malignant, and I did not feel that I was meant to do this every day.”

Ramsey then worked in retail in a small family-owned shop in Pelham. She also spent several years at what is now Andrews Sports Medicine assisting and scheduling doctors.

“So now I am doing what I really wanted to do – it’s a lifelong dream of mine,” she concludes.

Ramsey’s husband, Chris, encouraged her to open the store after their youngest child graduated from high school and started at the University of Alabama this year.

“The good Lord opened every door and it became evident this was the right thing,” she said.

Ramsey is assisted by her sister, Kayren Owens, whose husband, Kenneth Owens, is their go-to-guy for help with displays and carpentry projects.

“I come up with the ideas and Kayren jokes that she is supposed to execute it by 6 p.m.!” Ramsey said.

The store offers a variety of women’s clothes.

“Our fashions are geared more towards college age and 30-something moms and we carry plus sizes,” Ramsey said. “Because we are in a small town, we do try to have something fashion forward for all ages and all sizes.”

The front area of the boutique is dedicated to home décor, accents and accessories.

They also have holiday-themed dinnerware and serving pieces, as well as wooden snowmen sculptures and painted tin Christmas trees designed by the Owens. Handmade accessories by Shelby County residents are also for sale.

Located at 4290 Highway 52, Suite D, Sassy Sisters is open Monday- Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m. and Sunday 12:30-6 p.m. Find them also on Facebook.