A new crop of independent businesses—two headed up by mother-daughter teams—is energizing the 3200 block of Dormont’s West Liberty Ave. corridor.
After sitting vacant for one year, an 800-square-foot storefront at 3227 West Liberty has been artfully transformed into new boutique
Enchanted Wings. Boasting artisan-made baubles, curiosities and fair trade goods, Enchanted Wings carries everything from housewares and wearable art to organic lotions and pet products.
Joining forces with her mother Barbara Ranegar and sister Heather Fontana, jewelry designer
Jennifer Profio opened the distinctive shop on June 27. Between them, they have 35 years of merchandising, retail and hotel hospitality experience. While
Ranegar specializes in children’s tutus and Fontana creates boiled wool items, Profio designs jewelry using everything from natural earth stones to found objects.
“With three active minds, we’ve always got ideas flying. We believe in giving back to the earth and putting magic back into people’s lives,” says Ranegar. “We love the location because it’s a part of Dormont that needs to be developed. We’re a mother-daughter team like
New Leaf Café—that empowers us. We’re also adding to the community.”
Part-boutique, part-gallery, Enchanted Wings also offers origami and flower pressing classes and children’s theme parties. The shop’s Envirosacs, created from recycled milk cartons, are flying off the shelves. “I never wanted anything more than to have my own store. As a kid, I walked these streets with my friends,” adds Porfio, 30.
Also new to the block is
Xie LiHong's Wellness Center, while longtime landmark
Cain’s Saloon is undergoing renovations at 3239 West Liberty. Content management tech company
Industry Weapon moved into its new offices at 1426 Potomac Ave. in May.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Jennifer Profio and Barbara Ranegar, Enchanted Wings
Photograph copyright Jennifer Baron