Sponsor Spotlight: Kristen Zachares of The Eclectic Chic Boutique

If you’ve ever walked into The Eclectic Chic Boutique, you know it’s not your average gift shop. Founded by Kristen Zachares in 2017, this award-winning Montclair gem is part retail space, part creative hub - a home for handcrafted, locally sourced, upcycled, and intentionally curated goods you won’t find anywhere else.

But it’s more than just cool stuff. Kristen’s mission has always been about community: empowering local makers, celebrating diversity, and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. As the shop celebrates its 7th birthday, we caught up with Kristen to hear about her fave local spots, business lessons learned, and more.

Hi Kristen! You’ve won three Best of Essex awards for Best Gift Shop - congrats! But to those in the know, The Eclectic Chic Boutique is so much more than just a gift shop. For those who haven’t had the chance to visit yet, what makes your shop truly unique compared to a typical gift store? 

We pride ourselves on not being a "typical" gift shop. We love carrying funky, unusual, cheeky, and fun items you won't find anywhere else. I've worked hard to create a chill vibe. It's fun watching people discover things as they walk around.  

This month marks your 7th businessiversary (as I like to call it). That’s amazing! What’s been the biggest surprise or joy along the way? 

That we survived the plague! :) In all seriousness I'm still kind of baffled that we've been around for 7 years already. It's been an absolute joy to have a shop downtown. I've made many friends and have had such great experiences. I'm looking forward to what comes next.  

You have $100 to spend in Montclair. Where are you going and what are you grabbing? 

I'd probably start at Lackawanna Station to check out the Flea and the small shops, pick up some cute trinkets, grab a donut and burger, and then continue to eat and shop my way around town. 

What’s your personal favorite item in the shop right now - and why? 

I'm a little biased, but its our new 3D printed mothman pins we've been making in house.

The Eclectic Chic Boutique is all about creativity. What’s one of your favorite craft classes to teach or host?

I love when anyone takes candle making or soap making because our shop smells so nice afterwards.

What song would have to go on the RecRoom playlist?

Some retro funk would be cool. Or video game lofi. 

Shout out time! Who do you want to give some love to today?

Nuts & Delights. Couple of doors down from us. 

What do we need to know about The Eclectic Chic Boutique right now? 

July is Disability Pride Month. Be sure to shop and support from disabled and neurodiverse owned businesses, like ours :)

What advice would you give someone dreaming of starting their own creative business? 

Love what you do, do what you love, delegate what you don't. It's easy to fall into the trap of "I'll just do it myself" (people who know me well enough know ^-^)

Interested in becoming a RecRoom sponsor? There’s more info waiting for you right here.