‘One step at a time’: Downtown boutique fulfills owner’s longtime dream
Published 12:00 am Sunday, December 1, 2019
Oxford Lee, an upscale men and women’s clothing store at 106 E. Innes St., sells clothing, accessories and more. Terrence Jefferies/Salisbury Post
Oxford Lee carries brand-name clothing by Hatley, Draper James, Molly Bracken, Z Supply, and Southern Tide. Terrence Jefferies/Salisbury Post
Oxford Lee will host a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. next Saturday. Terrence Jefferies/Salisbury Post
SALISBURY – As a student at Catawba College, Karlee Eagle would draw up business plans for the clothing boutique she dreamed of opening.
She fulfilled that dream in early November when she opened Oxford Lee, an upscale men’s and women’s clothing store at 106 E. Innes St.
The shop offers shower gels, body lotions, earrings, hoodies, dresses, candles, men’s T-shirts, dog leashes, dog bowls, gloves, mittens, necklaces, belts, underwear, caps, hats and more.
Eagle, who grew up in Salisbury and graduated from East Rowan High School, said she has a strong passion for entrepreneurship in a recent interview with the Salisbury Post.
“I’ve always wanted to have my own business, with clothing and everything included,” Eagle said. “I’ve always lived in Salisbury. It is really growing with all of the small businesses in the area and with everything opening up.”
Oxford Lee carries brands such as Hatley, Draper James, Molly Bracken, Z Supply, Southern Marsh, and Southern Tide.
“I’ve always loved buying upscale clothing, instead of cheaper clothing, because you get what you pay for,” she said. “It’s all name-brand clothing and accessories. We have necklaces, jewelry pieces, hats and gloves.”
Eagle said she has always loved clothes.
She graduated with a degree in business administration with a minor in entrepreneurship from Catawba College this past May.
“One day, I would like to open somewhere else, maybe in Kannapolis, because they are really growing. It depends on how my business goes in the next year,” she said.
Eagle also works at Elevation Cheer Company.
“I enjoy coaching cheerleading. The little kids are my favorite,” she said. “It’s like my hobby I love. The kids are ages 2 to 16. When I leave here and close, I go straight there.”
Eagle said she’s enjoyed owning her business downtown.
“Everyone in downtown has been so nice to me, making sure I am settling in. So that’s been nice; I’ve enjoyed that so far,” she said. “I’m just taking it one step at a time.”
Oxford Lee will host a holiday open house from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. It will feature tastings of Fish Hippie wine, terrarium bars from the Hive, and “special teas” from the Spice and Tea Exchange.
For more information about Oxford Lee and the open house, email office@oxfordlee.com.
