Ground Floor: Clothing boutique adds variety to Cedar Rapids' NewBo district

Shoppers in the NewBo district can find artisan bread and local produce, books and bikes. Now, a new store is offering another kind of product - upscale fashion.

Meegan Hofmeister, 28, and Sarah Penney, 32, have opened The Blonde and the Brunette, a women's clothing boutique, at 1000 Third St. SE, a block from the NewBo City Market.

Both women said they are eager to be part of the up-and-coming part of town.

“We're excited to see the neighborhood come alive and Cedar Rapids rebuild,” Hofmeister said. “We're excited to be part of it. Hopefully in the next five years NewBo's going to be the hot spot in town.”

The 1500 square-foot shop offers casual and professional clothing from a range of designers, priced between $50 and $300, as well as accessories.

Penney said they want to not only sell clothes but interact with their customers, helping them develop their personal style.

“We want it to be a fun environment,” she said.

Looking south to Iowa City, Hofmeister said they saw plenty of boutique shopping options, but not many in the Cedar Rapids area.

“I love shopping, I love clothes, I love trends,” she said. “Sarah and I were going to Chicago every few months to go shopping. We thought, why not bring that to Cedar Rapids?”

The two have been friends for eight years, Hofmeister said. In the store's name, she is the brunette and Penney, current red hair notwithstanding, is the blonde.

Opening a boutique has been a dream for the duo for a long time. Hofmeister said she started writing the business plan five years ago, as she was finishing her business administration degree at Upper Iowa University. She said she's excited to be her own boss and shape the store to her and Penney's vision.

“It's scary and exciting,” she said. “I don't how to describe the emotions.”

At a glance

• Owners: Meegan Hofmeister and Sarah Penney
• Business: The Blonde and the Brunette
• Address: 1000 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids
• Phone: (319) 366-1228
• Website: www.theblondeandthebrunetteboutique.com/