The founder of a North Perth fashion boutique has made the “incredibly difficult decision” to close her store to prioritise her health.
Essencia has been open on Angove Street for four years, but Sunday marked the last day of trading as founder Naomi Smilkovic has decided to listen to her body.
The boutique was loved by many fashionistas and offered a refined selection of environmentally conscious and ethically produced international designer labels.
Ms Smilkovic said she was “truly proud” of the business she established in 2022 and her decision to shut up shop was “incredibly difficult”.
“As many of you know, I have been quietly managing my health in the background for some time now,” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“My body has been asking me to slow down, and after a lot of tears and conversations, I’ve decided to listen.
Camera IconEssencia was a staple in the community of North Perth. Credit: Instagram
With Essencia having been part of her life for so long, Ms Smilkovic said she would love to pass the baton to another style-minded person to keep the business alive.
“As sad as this chapter ending is for me, I would love nothing more than to see Essencia continue,” she wrote.
“This store, this community, and these brands deserve to keep going. If there is someone out there who feels called to take the keys and carry this forward, I would love to talk to you.
“Essencia has so much life left in it. It just needs someone to love it the way I have and would continue to do if things were different for me.”
Camera IconEssencia has closed its doors. Credit: Instagram
Reminiscing on her time working in retail, Ms Smilkovic said she got to introduce brands to Perth that had never been here before.
“I got to create a beautiful space where women of all ages could walk in, feel seen, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves,” she continued.
“I got to build relationships that turned into friendships, and friendships that turned into family.
“That is everything. That is more than I ever dreamed of when I first opened these doors.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you. For every visit, every purchase, every kind word, every referral, every message. You made this the most beautiful chapter of my life.”