My name is Laura Lamoureux owner of Lamours Boutique in Radford, Virginia. I grew up in a neighboring town called Blacksburg, Virginia. Home of the Virginia Tech Hokies where my father taught music! Both of my parents were teachers, mom gave up teaching for a while to raise us 4 kids. When I was 12 I had my own paper route, so I had my own money. My friends and I would shop downtown Blacksburg's hippie shops in the 70's and I fell in love with them. So, I told my friends, "When I grow up I want my own Boutique" and thus the dream began! When I graduated from high school, I wanted to start my shop right away and my mom said, "No, you're going to go to college and learn HOW to run a business". So, we looked in the back of Glamour magazine at the choices of Fashion colleges. Mom said "How do you feel about Dallas, TX?" and I said, "That would be cool." So, off I went that summer. I attended Bauder Fashion College in Arlington TX. which is the city between Dallas and Fort Worth. My school taught me so much! Since I was close to the cities my school took us on field trips to the Dallas apparel mart, the World Trade Center, museums, fashion shows, etc. I really got to see how the fashion and business world ticked!!!! After I graduated, I wanted to move back to my beloved Virginia. I missed my mountains! I moved close to my parents in Wytheville, Virginia. I paid my bills as a waitress and bartender and got a job bartending. I heard that an Antique mall was opening up called Snoopers. You had to sell collectibles, antiques, or handmade goods which was the category my merchandise fell under. So, I got a 1000.00 loan and made my first buying trip to Mexico. There were 7 girls and 1 very brave guy that went with me on that most memorable trip. I brought back beautiful, handmade clothes, jewelry, rugs, and much more. Since my booth was only 10 x 12 I set a goal at the end of 3 years I would either get a bigger booth or move it to my own store. I knew it needed to be closer to a university for it to take off. Blacksburg's rent was too high, and they already had hippie stores so, I moved it to Radford, Virginia. They didn't have any hippie stores and Radford, University is there. The rest is history, 33 years later and plenty of locals and college kids shopping small we're still going strong. My late husband, sons, and family have helped me along the way for which I am very grateful and thankful! My sons help me run it now, and I've always believed in me with my little store. I am still learning every day. It is an honor to be able to live my dream and serve the public every day. Thank you for checking our website out.

Peace,

Laura and family!