Susan Townley has been in the boutique business in the Overland Park and Olathe area near Kansas City for over five years.
She and her husband, Ed, own the former Country Cupboard Store at 12 N. Main, which they purchased from the Renard family.
They are been making the space their own since purchasing the building in December 2021 with sanding, painting, new lights, and some new carpet in areas. The antique wooden floors and ceiling tiles are features, along with some glass showcases.
Ed and Susan have done all the work themselves.
The name of the boutique is Be The Light.
“The name Be The Light is based on suicide awareness and on the Bible verse Matthew 5:14-16 which states – 14 ‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven,'” Susan said.
Her specialty is Tyler Candles, from Tyler, Texas, her hometown. But they also repurpose furniture and have lots of collectibles and vintage finds for sale.
“Going to Canton, Texas when young, the boutique world is not like anywhere else,” she said. “I wanted to bring it up here.”
“We see Fort Scott being a destination point, and believe the city is heading toward growth,” Susan said.
“We’ve collected three to four years for this move,” she said. They will also sell seasonal items and a little clothing.
“I’m from Texas and we make trips to Texas for markets looking for ideas and inspirations,” she said.
Be The Light will have its’ grand opening on November 2.
Then they will be a part of the Fort Scott Holiday Open House Shopping Event on November 9-11.
Following the Christmas Parade on November 30, they will have a spot for children to visit Santa in the store.
That parade starts the Christmas on the Bricks event weekend, Dec. 1-2.
The boutique will be open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Townleys also own 11 N. Main, across the street, that they have rented out.
Be The Light has a Facebook page and an Instagram page.
The phone number is 913.406.2998.
Thank you Ed and Susan, for investing in Fort Scott. I share your optimism for the future of our town. I had a contracting business in the Fort Worth area and did a lot of business in East Texas, stopping at the Canton Flea Markets many times. I have called Fort Scott “home” since 1947. My brother and I built the canopy at your store, as well as all the canopies on your block on Main Street, as part of the Urban Renewal project. John and Judy were dear friends of mine and Judy was a classmate at FSHS and at KSU. I have been working with commissioner Wells to undertake a project of modernizing the Skubitz Plaza area, including Main Street from Wall to Old Fort Boulevard, and the alleys behind the buildings. Matthew presented a plan to the commission a few weeks ago for consideration. I love the picture of Ed painting the Canopy! Again thank you for making Fort Scott your home and wish you much success. Pete Allen