By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— The boutique that started at Durbin Farms Market in Clanton and expanded into a second location in Alabaster opened a third location in Pelham Nov. 2.

After opening LJ’s Boutique in Alabaster, Lindsey Simmons was approached by a family friend about creating a salon. One of the spaces she had thought about moving into previously was still available, so Simmons jumped on the opportunity.

“It just made sense. The opportunity was there to have someone manage the salon,” Simmons said. “Apparently it was left open for a reason, so we were able to gut it out and were able to design it how we wanted to.”

In addition to the clothing and gift items carried at the Alabaster location, LJ’s Thairapy and Boutique, located at 381 Huntley Parkway next to Publix, offers a full service salon.

LJ’s has eight experienced hair stylists and also provides a full list of waxing options. Simmons said she hopes to expand into massages, airbrush makeup and tanning options as well.

“Thankfully, with eight stylists, six of those came with full books,” Simmons said. “There are a couple of them that are booked through February. So they came with a great clientele.”

The new store features more gift items than the Alabaster location, and Simmons said she plans on keeping it that way. She also has plenty of space for clothing racks at the new and larger LJ’s location, so she expects to have a similar amount of clothing.

Simmons handpicks all the boutique items for the three locations, although the Auburn business management graduate never expected to be involved in fashion.

She said it started at Durbin Farms Market, her family owned business with her father and brother. They put a few clothing items out at the shop and Simmons said they flew off the shelves.

It all slowly transformed from there, with Simmons opening the Alabaster boutique a couple years later.

Simmons said she is confident that the new store will be successful in the Pelham location.

For more information or for store hours, call 406-5950.