There ain’t no place like home. It’s a sentiment that Beamsville resident Amy Eitzen holds dear.
To help others find their sense of home, Eitzen has opened a home decor and lifestyle boutique on Front Street in Thorold, called Brigette & Amy.
“It started as an online brand but it's very much a touch-and-feel-type of industry,” Eitzen tells ThoroldToday. “The foundation of Brigette & Amy is the story of home.”
The boutique’s name is an ode to Eitzen’s grandmother Brigette.
“She was the foundational building block of who I am as a person, as a woman, as a homemaker, and as a mom,” Eitzen says. “And so it's only fitting that we named the company after both her and myself.”
Starting her own business was a long time dream for Eitzen.
“It always kind of been in the works to be honest,” she says. “I started out in events and then I moved into design. I found that I'm finding these really beautiful pieces and everyone's asking where I'm getting things. And I thought I could do this, I could sell this to people.”
In March 2024, Eitzen launched the online version of Brigette & Amy and soon enough business was booming.
To keep up with demand, Eitzen started looking for a permanent home, which she quickly found in Thorold.
“I came down the street and found nothing but charm,” she says. “I have to tell you how influential this community has been since the beginning. When we came to just view the space, the community was very welcoming. I literally left that day knowing I was gonna sign the papers.”
What sets Amy & Brigette apart is that it offers a curated selection of home decor and lifestyle goods. On display are clothing, candles, lotions, pillows and throws, and many other products.
“Everything that's in our shop has been vetted by me,” Eitzen says. “We only deliver quality and above all, you're welcomed with love when you come on in. We really want to bring comfort and nostalgia to every piece that's in that store. Everything in our shop is actually for sale — even the merchandising furniture.”
On Saturday morning, local politicians and dignitaries gathered at the store for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“If you shop in downtown Thorold you’re seeing unique boutiques and people come here and they appreciate that,” said Mayor Terry Ugulini. “We’re seeing that growing market. When people come to our downtown, especially those from outside of Thorold, they appreciate it even more.”
Eitzen gave a short speech in which she thanked the local community for welcoming her with open arms.
“I can’t tell you the amount of friendship and encouraging words that have been shown to us,” she told the gathered crowd. “It’s above and beyond. I keep saying: ‘It’s like we’re in a Hallmark movie.’ It really does.”
Brigette & Amy is located at 51 Front St. S. To learn more, go to the website.
