TORRINGTON – Julie Kilty has always had an eye for clothing style and home decor. With her retail background, she initiated the Farm Girls shop at 21st & Main when the opportunity arose in 2015.

“The repurposed building seemed a match for repurposed items,” Kilty said of her decision to join the Java Jar in the former Ben Franklin store. “I thought I had something I could add to the community, offering the latest in styles, locally made, and repurposed items.”

According to Kilty, she submitted a business plan that included her “Belief Statement”  to “inspire confidence through clothing; inspire happiness through decor; and gratefulness to the community.”

“These things are important to me, and of course, we always have fun,” she said, while her full-time employee, Diane Nighswonger, smiled in agreement.

The women said in-store offerings are always changing so they can provide the latest items and styles to customers who come from as far as California to shop in the store. Kilty said they attend markets in Denver and Las Vegas several times a year in order to keep up with trends and re-stock inventory.

Their selections include soaps and candles made in the United States, as well as a lot of clothing items from a variety of sources, including the U.S., and many in area school colors. They also carry a selection of clothing appropriate for special events, such as the Sagebrush and Roses fund raiser for the Eastern Wyoming College agriculture department.

Kilty said Farm Girls proudly features local artisans and their products. These include Mark Estes who makes the wood shaving items, Marvie Tipsword’s paintings and re-purposed items, jewelry by Roxane Eddington, and handmade Christmas decorations by Willene Curry.

“We have whatever speaks to me, or what customers ask for,” Kilty said. “Our clothing is affordable, adorable, and trending. We want to fill the needs of our customers from wedding attire to something casual for the lake in the summer.”

“We appreciate our loyal customers,” the women said. “They return because we offer a unique, small boutique experience.”

In addition to Nighswonger, Dixie Roth and Harlee McKenney make up the Farm Girls part-time staff.

Hours are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except Thursday when the store is open until 6 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

Check with Kilty for special event opportunities at LaGrange.