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The building at 11 S. Main Street – next to StrengthFix – had previously sat idle.

To begin 2024, a new tenant has emerged.

The HighSide Boutique, a clothing store specializing in women’s apparel, celebrated being accepted into the Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce on the afternoon of Thursday, Jan. 4th.

“We have women’s clothing and accessories, and we have sizes from extra small through 4X,” said Malisha Payne, who co-owns the store with daughter Shelby Mitchell.”  It’s a family affair. Everyone brings something special!”

Payne, a Boyd County native, has long lived with her husband and two daughters around Winchester.

While admitting that, over more than twenty years, she has previously worked in various big-box retailers and small boutique settings for multiple companies – including Estėe Lauder – this will be her first time operating a small business.

Along with her two daughters, Payne was joined Thursday by her husband, son-in-law, and more.

Prominent local figures such as Mayor JoEllen Reed, Magistrate Robert Blanton, and Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cindy Banks were also present.

“This is a great turnout, and this is one of the best places to start out our year as a chamber,” Banks said. “I would love to see this much attendance [at] every ribbon cutting because it shows that we’re supporting this new member.”

The HighSide Boutique, which had its grand opening in late November, has showcased a variety of clothing choices, such as sweatshirts and hoodies, drawstring pants, blouses, dresses, skirts, coats, vests, cardigans, jeans and more.

They also carry matching sets, a variety of patterns, and more.

The store recently sold clothing geared toward New Year’s and Christmas wear and includes accessories such as hats, tote bags, gloves and scarves.

“[We] really [wanted] to bring something new to Winchester, and even providing all ranges and sizes. I know that’s something that Winchester didn’t have,” said Mitchell. “We started [the business]. It happened really fast!”

While the clothing and accessories are a definite bright spot, more can be celebrated.

An outdoor courtyard located just behind the interior can provide a space for others to sit in the warmer months that will come by, with parking making the business easily acceptable.

“We hope in the spring and summer… we’ll be able to have some local artisans doing pop-ups or any kind of events like that,” Payne said. “It’s super nice because we have the rear entrance and the parking in the back. If Main Street is completely full, customers can just conveniently come around back to Church Alley and park.”

Certainly not least, with candles burning, a pleasant aroma awaits those who walk inside.

As listed on the glass front door, The HighSide Boutique is open from 11 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday, Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The business is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The HighSide Boutique is already well-appreciated by others.

“The one thing that Shelby and I have talked about that’s really amazing is how kind and how welcoming everybody has been in this city and in these surrounding areas that come to shop here,” Payne said.