Naughty Nelly isn’t a typical boutique — it’s more like a clubhouse. The small shop, located in a northwest strip mall, boasts “artisans and imports,” but its modest sign doesn’t capture the spirit of the treasure trove of jewellery, accessories, tableware and other pieces of practical art that lurk inside. And more importantly, it doesn’t capture the sense of camaraderie that exists between owner Shelley Barnett and her loyal customers.
Shelley opened the store in 2011 with a partner, but now runs it on her own, with friends stepping in and helping out behind the counter when she’s out of town or in need of an extra hand. The shop grew out of Shelley’s own love of artisan jewellery — she makes pieces that she sells in the shop — and her desire to have a permanent place to sell her own work as well as the work of fellow artisan friends. She curates an inventory of interesting objects that draws in shoppers who are looking for one-of-a-kind objects, either for themselves or as gifts for the more colourful women in their lives.
