I opened a boutique under a senior living community. I worried it would be a disaster, but I've made surprising friends.

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Crystal Manke

• I opened a boutique without realizing I'd be sharing a building with a senior living community.
• At first, I worried we'd clash, things would feel awkward, or my store's music would bother them.
• I was surprised when my new neighbors became my friends — now, they hang out at my store often.

When I set out to open my first-ever retail storefront for my shop, Cindy Jane Boutique, I had a specific picture in my head: a saloon-style concept...