Local Clothing Designer, Mary Ellen DiMauro, Opens First Storefront in the Shops at The Hub
Local clothing designer, Mary Ellen DiMauro, will celebrate the opening of her first storefront location in the Shops at The Hub on 30A on Thursday, November 14 from 6- 8 p.m.
Originally from Athens, Ga., DiMauro moved to the Emerald Coast in April 2017. The 24-year-old designer has been making her own clothes since she was in high school. She started her designing journey by repurposing items from thrift shops, taking them apart, and learning how to make her own patterns. When she went to college, she began selling her pieces to local shops and at art shows on the weekends. Her entrepreneurial spirit began at a young age and inspired her dream of owning her own space and growing what was once her hobby into a business.
“It’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember to have my own store, to have a space to design, inspire, and create my own clothing line and to carry the works of other local artists as well,” DiMauro said. “I searched for a place that not only fit my brand and customer, but also offered a blank space for my imagination to run wild and free.”
On Thursday, November 14, DiMauro will officially open her new store location with a grand opening celebration and a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. From 5:30- 7:30 p.m. the community is invited to enjoy complimentary champagne and beer by Shore Thing Cigars, light bites by Raw & Juicy, The Hub and Matcho Taco, refreshments by Noli South Kombucha, live music by Reese Branton, photography by Brenna Kneiss Photo Co., floral crowns for purchase by Beachy Blooms, along with artwork on display by Jonah Allen Studio.
“I am blown away from the support of this incredible community,” DiMauro said. “Being able to design pieces for women in our area and seeing them light up when they feel good in the clothes, is a special moment.”
DiMauro’s handcrafted designs are heavily inspired by the area’s topography. The white dunes, clear water, and sugar-white sand inspire the coastal elegance weaved throughout DiMauro’s line. The young designer also tries to pull inspiration from Italian clothing brands, specifically the hand-sewn linen lines that can be easily worn in the local beach community of 30A. DiMauro also designs custom pieces for customers using hand-selected fabrics and custom patterns to fit the client’s desired look.
“My biggest motivation is living out my dream and the freedom of being able to work for myself,” DiMauro said. “To do what I love every day, and to help others feel beautiful is the most rewarding part.”
The new store will feature DiMauro’s handcrafted clothing line, as well as art and accessories of other local artists and designers including Jonah Allen, Allison Wickey, and Merry Beth Myrick. The store is located at 27 Hub Lane in Santa Rosa Beach and is open Tuesday- Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and on Sunday from Noon- 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/simplymehandmade/.
