The Firehouse Boutique & Studio
Photos By: Emma Highfill
If there’s one thing owner Angel McGhee wants folks to know about her North Topeka business, The Firehouse Boutique & Studio, it’s the variety the store now has.
“There’s nothing quite like our place,” McGhee said. “There are boutiques, and there are DIYs—but none that offer everything in one place.”
The Firehouse opened more than three years ago as a do-it yourself workshop where people could come in and complete projects. But after moving to a new location at 3030 N.W. Topeka Blvd., and dealing with the pandemic, McGhee had to sort of shift gears. So, the store added a boutique clothing line and more home décor.
“Clothing is a huge part of our business right now,” McGhee said. “I feel like we have a really good price point on our clothing. We try really hard to make sure it’s affordable, good quality, stylish, and up on-trend.”
The Firehouse also offers new and used furniture, a paint line and unique gifts. McGhee said workshops and group parties have begun again for birthdays, team-building groups, business appreciation groups and the like, offering a way for patrons to come in and be creative with a custom project.
“It’s just fun,” McGhee said. “You get to know people, especially when they’re sitting in here making stuff for two or three hours.” The most popular thing to make right now are door hangers, McGhee said, because there are so many different designs they can do. Additionally, the store is gearing up for the upcoming seasons and holidays, and McGhee encourages those who want to do a DIY event to schedule early because they fill up quickly.
During the pandemic, The Firehouse started offering take and- make kits that offer crafts you can do at home, and that helped the store get through the tough times, McGhee said.
“The community was really instrumental in making sure we made it through the pandemic,” McGhee said. “You could tell that they were very concerned and made a point to shop local.”
