Mahomet’s Jennifer Wagner feels that it’s time for her business, En Route Fashion Boutique to offer something more to the community.
En Route is expected to move from the west side of town at 401 W Oak St. to the Churchill Crossing Development on east IL-150 in the fall.
In addition to En Route’s popular boutique, Wagner will offer high-end coffee and drinks as well as a light food menu at Whisk Coffee Shop and Wine Bar. The wine bar will be available later in the day and will also offer an event space that can be rented out and used for small to medium get-togethers.
““It has always been my dream to combine two of my passions, coffee and fashion, into one dynamic location that meets the needs and standards of our community and the surrounding communities,” Wagner said in a press release. “I am so excited to bring this concept to life and offer a unique blend of services under one roof that share a common vision. We will strive to offer high-quality products with great customer service so that our clients are highly satisfied.”
In addition, Wagner is partnering with stylist Jamie Saban of Modern Blend Salon Co to offer a full array of salon services including cuts, color, balayage and bridal up-dos.
“I love that I will be able to combine two of my passions, fashion and hair, in one location,” said Saban. “This move will be great for my clients as they will have the opportunity to get their salon services in a location where they can also shop for clothes and accessories when they look and feel their best. Plus, they can sip cup of coffee or enjoy a glass of wine while they process.”
Prior to the mid-March Wagner would see Saban’s clients browse through her shop before or after they got their hair styled.
“We’re like-minded,” Wagner said. “Working with people that are very willing to support each other, and those businesses really go hand in hand. It’s going to be a great partnership.”
Wagner was recently able to re-open her doors on Oak Street after being closed for two-and-a-half months during the pandemic. She said she’s seen a commitment from customers to shop local as the economy jumpstarts once again.
When a “For Sale” sign went up in front of the unique property near the railroad track, customers began to worry that En Route would close.
“So many people were making sure that I wasn’t closing that I was continuing to have my boutique open,” she said. “We are going to a new location. It’s been really nice to know that they really are excited about us going there.”
Wagner hopes that whether Mahomet residents are looking for something unique to wear, a gift, a haircut or a healthy food option, they find what they need.
“I really want them to feel like it’s a place that is built for them and that they are excited to be there,” she said.
En Route Boutique has always been focused on providing women with a shopping experience where they can try new items rather than a place where shoppers might just be searching for one thing. She plans to bring in a line for tweens and also have plus sizes available in the new location.
“I want them to feel like they can express themselves in new ways and feel confident and comfortable about themselves,” she said.
But with the salon and coffee or wine bar, Wagner hopes to also create a sense of community.
Whisk Coffee Shop and Wine Bar will have pastries, wraps, salad bowls, vegan options and gelato.
“We’ll have a European sipping chocolate for the fall, winter,” Wagner said.
Alongside a typical coffee menu, they will also offer homemade lemonade and a signature drink to be released at a later date.
“I like being able to offer kind of a healthier choice after you’ve gotten done working out or you drop the kids off and you want to grab something quick,” Wagner said.
For those who just want to grab something without getting out of the car, there will be a drive-through option, also.
“I really truly want to bring to the community what they want” Wagner said. “And so I really want feedback from people about the items that they want in there or things that they want to do.”
Wagner plans to host community events in the space.
She said while the boutique may be focused on women, she will bring her passion for bourbon into some of the tasting or shopping events that she hosts.
Wagner hopes that the expansion of the boutique, offering gifts, home accents and other sundries, will offer another option for a variety of people to find what they need within the Village limits.
“I’ve had an overwhelming support locally,” she said. “People are really wanting to support local and really wanting to keep the businesses there that they love.”
