4 minute read
The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts
from October 2021
by Jodi Varnado
One of the features of a small-town charm is being able to shop small and support a local shop owner—a sense of community we cherish here in the South. The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts, a hometown boutique run by the owner, Amanda Tripp, is one such example!
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The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts opened in November of 2020, but it has been an inspired idea of Amanda’s for a while. “I have worked in retail previously, for about seven years, and I always really enjoyed it. Having my store was something I’ve wanted for a long time, but I never dreamed it was possible. Over time, God has placed certain people in my life at the right times, and with their suggestions and ideas, my dream became a reality. My husband—rather, my biggest fan—has been an overwhelming supporter of my dream too,” said Tripp.
The boutique not only carries with it a sense of hometown delight, but the store atmosphere is also Biblically-minded and family-focused. Amanda’s children are even the source of The Olive Cart’s name. “It’s a combination of my children’s names without actually using their names—Alivia and Carter—while also having a Biblical note. Alivia’s name stems from olives, olive trees, and olive branches, which are all mentioned throughout the Bible and carry different meanings each time, such as peace, cleansing, healing, victory, etc. With Carter, the meaning of his name is a cart, driver of a cart, etc. I hope that through my business, I am able to drive the cart with God’s Word to all I meet,” said Tripp.
Amanda’s business grew out of need—a need for creative fulfillment and financial support. Little did she know that handcrafted earrings and soap would eventually lead to an entire storefront. “My youngest child—who will be nine in October—was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy when she was fifteen months old. Due to her frequent doctor’s appointments, therapies, and clinical trial
appointments, I gave up my full-time job to stay home and take care of her. Although I loved every minute of my time at home with both of my children, I did end up battling depression because I was no longer able to help financially support our family. So, I tried several things over the course of six years to try and have something for myself. Then one day, I started making leather earrings. That’s actually how my business started. Then I started dabbling in handmade soaps. I still make earrings sometimes if I have some extra free time, and I’ve passed the soap-making duties onto my mom. She does well about keeping the store fully stocked,” said Tripp.
The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts not only has thoughtful, handmade treasures but something for every member of the family! “The store is a great place to find trendy tween clothing and shoes—ages seven and up. I keep a small section of baby and toddler clothing. We also have a great variety of men’s outdoor lifestyle apparel, hats, and shoes. I always have tons of different graphic tee options for women, as well as handbags, jewelry, accessories, and gifts,” said Tripp.
Amanda’s wonderful and inclusive selection of products is only part of the reason to visit The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts—the other stems from a community connection. Amanda is passionate about serving her customers and the Dalton community at large. “I participate as a donor and vendor in Catwalk for a Cause for Jonathan’s House Ministries—a local non-profit that supports foster children who have aged out of the foster care system. I also love building relationships with my customers. The conversations I have with each and every one of them is something I look forward to when I open up each day,” said Tripp.
As The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts reaches its first anniversary, show your support by shopping small and serving the community—while also treating yourself or someone you love to a new addition to the wardrobe! Visit Amanda at The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts at 2518 Cleveland Hwy Unit 12, Dalton, GA 30721 every TuesdayFriday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. You can visit The Olive Cart Boutique & Gifts’ Facebook page, @theolivecartaccessories, or follow their Instagram account, @the.olive.cart, to stay up to date on sale information and new inventory. You can contact Amanda via email at theolivecartaccessories@gmail.com or call the store at (706)-934-4386 for any questions. We hope to see you there!
