Bee Well Boutique opens Saturday in Linwood

Last Updated on Monday, May 21, 2012 11:38 am Written by MARJORIE PRESTON Monday, April 09, 2012 01:57 pm

Shared interests lead friends to new business

LINWOOD – Alexandra Conover and Lauren Barrett grew up in Egg Harbor Township, Conover in Northfield Estates and Barrett along Somers Point-Mays Landing Road. They both graduated from Egg Harbor Township High School; Conover in 2003 and Barrett in 1999. Although their paths diverged for a time – Conover worked in Washington, D.C., as director of an esthetician school, and studied nutrition in New York – the longtime friends are once again on the same course, as business partners at the Bee Well Boutique in Linwood.

Alexandra Conover and Lauren Barrett take a momentary break from preparations for the grand opening of the Bee Well Boutique in Linwood. The two are girlhood friends.

They will host a grand opening from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 7 at the shop at 1053 Shore Road, with special guest the Easter Bunny. Refreshments will be served.

"We've been in touch with each other on and off, and toyed with the idea of working together before, but it never seemed to work," said Barrett, a massage therapist and mother of two young boys, James, 5 and Benjamin, 2. "This time, everything fell into place."

"We both have the same vision," said Conover, a certified holistic health counselor who began looking into an organic lifestyle in college. "I started to heal my own ailments with natural products and a clean diet. We truly need it here, and Lauren and I are excited to pioneer that for the South Jersey community."

The wellness boutique includes a yoga studio, a massage room, and a retail area that will offer handmade soaps, vegan products, candles, organic teas, and other items, along with a line of jewelry by artist Lauren Matricardi of L Designs in Ocean City. Sales of the jewelry will benefit the Atlantic County Women's Center.

The other retailers on the block including the Jazz Hut, Fitness Connection, the Linwood Clock Shop and the Linwood Bike Shop, along with Ryan's Barber Shop, owned by Barrett's brother, Ryan Zentmeyer have discussed holding community events there in the "First Friday" mold, with music and entertainment. Barrett and Conover are also considering wellness workshops at the new boutique.

"We feel we belong here," said Barrett. "This is our community, and we want to make these products available and give people the knowledge and understanding to live a healthier lifestyle."

"We want to reach everyone," said Conover. "All are welcome – all people, all hearts, all bodies."

Call (609) 788-8322 for more information.