Cathy Rozz

Boutique owners pose in front of the pura vida section of the store

As more and more businesses are brought to Bettendorf, one that can directly correlate to the Pleasant Valley community is the recently opened Peaceful Style boutique, located next to Coffee Hound on Devils Glen Road.

It was not an easy process for the owners, Linda Mowbray and Chris Slavens, but the result is a unique type of boutique in an area of Bettendorf that is visited frequently. “Chris had heard that Healthy Habits was building a new location just a block away from their old location and their old location would be for rent. And, it was in the strip mall, with a nail salon, a yogurt place, and you guessed it, a coffee house–Coffee Hound.” explains Gabby Mowbray, daughter of Linda and sophomore at PV.

While Peaceful Style is not the first boutique the Quad Cities had ever seen, their mission is clearly different from the rest: “Both [Mowbray and Slavens] are busy moms who love being comfortable, but stylish. They often talked about wishing there was a place here in the Quad Cities that others could shop at as well, without breaking the bank! Chris often talked about opening a boutique someday hopefully by a coffee shop and Linda with a Fashion Merchandising degree had hoped to be a buyer someday. It was the perfect opportunity!”

Not only is merchandise more reasonably priced than the stereotypical boutiques, but Peaceful Style sells a variety of unusual “boutique products” that create an environment that warmly welcomes customers. “We sell jeans, tops, blouses, jeggings, leggings, coats, sweaters, accessories such as shoes, jewelry, scarves, purses, and gift items such as candles, coffee mugs, key chains, and many more. We even carry some greeting cards so you’re all set to go for your gift!” Linda Mowbray told the Spartan Shield.

While Mowbray and Slavens are excited to begin their journey together, the behind-the-scenes process was not as easy as it may have seemed to the public eye. “The hardest part was waiting for permits to be approved and trying to coordinate contractors with each other. The dressing rooms couldn’t be built until the electrician’s work could be approved. The flooring couldn’t be completed until the set of windows and door were moved from the bike shop.” Linda explained.