Wild Indigo Opens its Doors Saturday

For months, Christina Murphy has worked invisibly behind the large plate-glass windows of 53 Dartmouth Street, using wrapping paper and now opaque shades to hide the interior of her new store from the curious public.

Around town, the word is out that Wild Indigo, the intriguing name of Murphy's new boutique, is coming soon – but when?

"October ninth," Murphy wrote in an email. "Wild Indigo will be opening its doors at 11am."

 Of course, there's still work to be done. Last Thursday, Patch caught up with Murphy in the tiny store, formerly home of Gifted, now located down the street. Surrounded by boxes, the first-time storeowner described her vision, ten years in the making.

"I'm combining all of my loves: art, fashion and the healing arts," said Murphy, an artist and trained herbalist. "I'm trying to form a really cohesive vibe."

The store will sell a variety of handmade items featuring jewelry, scarves, vegan purses (faux leather), 24 different types of loose-leaf tea and organic soap. At an aroma bar, Murphy can mix up custom perfumes and aromatherapy remedies. One line of candles sold at the store melts down into an all-natural skin cream.

Aspects of owning her own business came naturally to Murphy. In the past, she's worked in publishing and managed Fire Opal, an artisan store with locations in Brookline and Jamaica Plain. For the last decade, she's dreamed of having a store of her own but hadn't found the right location. Walking by the former Gifted store this summer, a For Rent sign caught her eye.

"I'd been looking for months and months and it felt right," she said. "It's small – it's the perfect size for my first business."

For now, Murphy is a one-woman show, arranging displays while managing the books. In the future, she may consider hiring part-time help, but for now, she's relishing the challenge.

"I wanted to do it myself," she said. "I'm doing every aspect of the business from bookkeeping to selecting the products…it's all me. I love it."

Visit Wild Indigo on Saturday, Oct 9 at 11am and mark your calendars for the Grand Opening Celebration on Thursday, Nov 4, 6pm – 9pm.