Empowering women in rural Oregon

Trousseau, a boutique for the senses - offering lingerie and wedding day necessities is more than your average lingerie shop. This vision was born out of a need for a space where women of all body types and gender expressions in rural Willamette Valley can shop comfortably and privately for intimate apparel in a space that is affirming and empowering. Featuring high-quality bubbly from Champagne and local Oregon wineries, the shop provides a relaxing, welcoming shopping experience with a diverse range of high-quality brands and styles. Included in the business plan to attract everyday customers, a line of sustainable organic cotton basics is also featured along with seasonal items such as swimwear and additional loungewear.

The demand is very high for Trousseau especially in wine country. Winery weddings are extremely popular with brides arriving from all over the US to get married in one of the area’s idyllic vineyard settings, yet the retail market is severely lacking in shops that offer specific day-of wedding necessities. Trousseau will offer specialty wedding bras, garters, bridal lingerie, and other accoutrements for a bride and her bridal party. 

The nearest boutiques are over an hour away from the shop’s location in a newly-built shopping square in downtown historic Dayton. As the oldest daughter of 5 girls, it was very frustrating for me and my sisters growing up to have to drive over an hour to find personal intimates or bridal shower gifts, with the only stores carrying “lingerie” in the nearest town being generic big box stores or local re-sale shops.
 

As part of Trousseau’s mission to offer a safe space for women in rural Oregon, self-identifying male customers and male/female couples will be required to make an appointment to shop. A partnership with the local women’s shelter is also top priority. Staff will partake in the Henderson House advocacy training, to learn how to watch for signs from our customers who are needing help or seeking escape from an abusive domestic situation.

Trousseau’s commercial lease is $1200/mo with additional utilities on top. I am raising $5000 for seed money and to cover initial start up costs such as my POS system, purchasing inventory, and hiring employees.

About the owner, Chelsea:

I have worked in retail shops and have operated a variety of businesses in Oregon and Arizona for over 15 years. I am a third-generation Oregonian with my background in the performing arts and have been a professional singer and actor since the age of 17. Due to the COVID-19 shutdown I am no longer currently on stage, but seeing a large need in my community and wanting to fill that void with a thriving business that offers a welcoming space where women are celebrated.