Name of business: A Twist of Elegance
Type of business: Women’s boutique
Location: 216 Lander Ave., Turlock
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Contact information: 209-427-2071
Specialty: Formal wear
History of business:
One of Turlock’s newest shops is helping the community prepare for some of life’s most special events through fashion, whether it be a wedding, birthday party or even prom.
Patterson resident Miyako Cooper opened the boutique A Twist of Elegance in May near downtown Turlock, offering a unique selection of hand-crafted gifts, casual clothing, formal wear and children’s clothing as part of a business endeavor that’s been years in the making.
“I always wanted my own boutique,” Cooper said. “This place is the start of my dream coming true.”
A Twist of Elegance originally began online, she said, with Cooper selling clothing out of her home. The effort started with Cooper buying lightly-used prom dresses, cleaning them and selling them at a much lower price, she said — something she’s continued at her new, brick-and-mortar location. Today Cooper also offers wedding gowns, quinceanera dresses and other formal wear in addition to gifts like bath and body goods.
“Everybody’s always so excited when they’re shopping for those events,” Cooper said. “I think the best part about this job is making other people happy.”
Cooper knew she wanted to be in Turlock when she began searching for a store location, she said, and when she stumbled upon A Twist of Elegance’s current location on Lander Avenue, she knew its proximity to downtown Turlock made it the perfect fit. After some renovations, such as new flooring and a fresh coat of paint, the space is up-to-date and provides a bright, open shopping experience.
“The walls were a dingy white and the carpet was dirty, but I looked around and said, ‘I can do this,’” Cooper said.
Now, the business has been open for almost four months — a success story Cooper would love to see other women duplicate.
“You’ve just got to step up and have the confidence to do it,” she said.
