New Horizons for Bailey Road

Montpelier Alive loves watching businesses build from the ground up. We remember when Bailey Road first opened, and it has been wonderful to see the business grow. We recently supported Bailey Road with a grant through our Welcome to Montpelier Program to support new and expanding Montpelier businesses. Here, Sarah DeFelice tells us a little more about Bailey Road’s journey, and the new vision she has for her expanding store.
 
When did you start Bailey Road and what inspired you to open your own store?
Bailey road opened in the spring of 2014. I was working seasonally for a retail shop in downtown Montpelier and loved it. I learned that the shop I was working at had decided to close in October and by January, I had a business plan and keys to my very own lease for my own shop. 
 
Has the venture been successful, and fulfilled your vision?
Bailey Road has been profitable from the first year, which felt like a huge success as my first business. It has taught me how to lead and manage a team, bringing amazing people into my life. Bailey Road has allowed me to have a flexible schedule, allowing me two maternity leaves for my growing family. Now, Bailey Road has given me the opportunity for a challenge. I feel like this expansion is not only giving me a feeling of success in the growth, but also success that this business has been able to change and challenge me professionally. 
 
What inspired you to expand the business, and how has the vision now changed? 
I have always felt the need for Bailey Road to grow. During the pandemic, I realized I wanted this growth to look more towards growing my customer base and product offerings, instead of multiple locations. Bailey Road will continue to offer clothing and style sessions, which has always been our bread and butter, [but] we are excited to expand into furniture and home. 
 
The Bailey Road home decor will really capture Transitional Style which is a mixture of the traditional and modern aesthetic…It balances luxury with comfort, masculine with feminine and antiques with new pieces. We will be carrying larger furniture pieces such as sofas and chairs, accent pieces such as side tables, coffee tables, benches and ottomans. Our kitchen section will be focused on beauty and entertainment offering bar carts, glassware, charcuterie boards and accessories along with linens. We will also be carrying pieces that bring personality into one’s home with large pieces of art and decorative items like bowls, candle holders, vases, objects and faux plants.  
 
 Tell us about your design services, and why you chose to offer this to customers?
We will continue to offer style sessions - which we LOVE! These focused, curated sessions really help our customers find their style, take the stress out of shopping, dress our ever-changing shapes or just carve out some self-care time. 
 
For interior design consultations - I plan on gauging the need our customers have in wanting a professional eye. I just want to curate a service that fits the needs of our community. 
 
Where is the new location, and when will you be opening?
The new space is 75 Main Street (the old Number 9 Boutique). Opening day is March 19th! More details for the opening event to come… 
 
Because we know you're a design expert...what do you think everybody needs in their home, what kind of home decor should people definitely invest in?
 
I am a fan of envisioning yourself in a space. What do you want to feel? Whether you want to feel organized and put together, or relaxed and at peace, use your feeling to guide your design mood board (colors, elements, prints). 
 
I have really come to embrace the need for good lighting. I like rooms to have multiple lighting sources (ideally three sources per room). From overhead lights, sconces, and lamps. This really allows you to adjust the mood of the room.