Boutique offers high-end products

SIKESTON -- Six years ago, Madra Jones opened Elements Salon Spa & Boutique in Cape Girardeau. With the exclusive product lines and services most often found only in larger cities, her store became a huge success -- which opened her eyes to a new customer base and need for a place to "shop" for these coveted products outside of Cape Girardeau.

A frequent customer at her salon, Terry Brewer-Cheatham, shared that same idea. So, Jones set up elementsBoutique in Sikeston, where Brewer-Cheatham now works at making customers feel and look their best.

"Terry suggested the location and upon seeing it, I realized how perfect this corner location would be for my boutique," said Jones. "I was sold on the idea -- especially with the renovation and revitalization of downtown Sikeston."

Jones said: "I realize how blessed I am, and decided to give back, by giving out-of-town shoppers a place of comfort and convenience, and the Sikeston boutique was born and the response has been overwhelming. I want to tell everyone how much I have appreciated them over the years and this new venture would not have been possible without their support and loyalty."

Madra Jones, owner of elementsBoutique; and Terry Brewer-Cheatham, manager, pose in the newly opened store in downtown Sikeston. (Michelle Felter, Staff)

Madra Jones, owner of elementsBoutique; and Terry Brewer-Cheatham, manager, pose in the newly opened store in downtown Sikeston. (Michelle Felter, Staff)

Although the store is already open, the grand opening celebration will be Nov. 14 and 15 to coincide with the Downtown Merchants Open House, and feature product samples, product discounts, giveaways, drawings, drinks and lite bites.

The boutique features bareMinerals by Bare Escentuals and Smashbox cosmetics. elementsBoutique is open Monday through Saturday, and there is always someone available to work one-on-one with customers who visit the boutique.

When a client comes in, the staff will sit them down and match their perfect foundation shade and guide the client in choosing the best colors and tones for their skin type.

"Pretty people walk in, and leave beautiful," said Brewer-Cheatham.

The boutique also offers make-up application for special events, such as proms and weddings. If a wedding party takes advantage of the service, the bride's make-up application is complementary.

When it comes to purchasing make-up, people are often pleasantly surprised with the prices. "BareMinerals and Smashbox both are not expensive, you definitely get more for your money," said Jones.

Some of the products can be bought in packages and kits, which also offers big discounts.

BareMinerals has been the No. 1 mineral make-up in the world, and has been featured in several magazines, including Allure and Glamour, she also pointed out.

The Cape Girardeau location includes a staff of 16 and offers facials, massage therapy, permanent cosmetics, microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, hair design, spa pedicures and other options, the Sikeston store will focus on the sale of cosmetics and other beauty products.

elementsBoutique works to give women a personal touch.

"We do one-on-one color match and let you try it before you buy it," Jones said. "You can buy it here, instead of having to drive to St. Louis or Memphis. elementsBoutique is the only place to buy all of the products offered, you will not find what elements has anywhere else in the Sikeston area and we intend to keep it that way by constantly adding the newest product lines."

While the store focuses on cosmetics, it also carries some other products. One hot seller is the Yummie Tummie camisole, which sets out to slim one's midsection by camouflaging lumps and bumps.

Also offered are, exclusive hair products, Circle E Candles, home fragrance lamps and skincare.

Coming soon will be Kashwear Robes, usually found in Neimann Marcus, which are great holiday gifts, said Jones.

Jones and Brewer-Cheatham also commented on the set-up of the boutique.

"elementsBoutique as well as the Salon & Spa in Cape have a very welcoming feel, because the decor is comfortable and inviting," said Jones.

Jones said she wanted to create an atmosphere that looks and feels like a woman's home while putting on make-up. "This is a place where customers can touch and feel our products and actually try before they buy."

The boutique also features the work of local artists on its walls, and custom framework by another local.

For the remainder of October, the store is marking breast cancer awareness month. Anything pink in the boutique -- is 10 percent off.

Gift cards are also available for purchase which would also be good for gift giving, Jones added.

For more information or to view elements in Cape go to www.elementssalon.net.

A Web site specifically for the Sikeston Boutique is coming soon at www.elementsboutique.com. There, customers will be able to shop online if they choose.

The new boutique is located at 142 E. Front St., at the corner of Kingshighway in downtown Sikeston. elementsBoutique Hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 472-6255.