<\/p>\n
Tara Atkins has owned and operated Golden Coast, located at 535 South State St, Clarks Summit, for almost five years. Every year, Golden Coast has been awarded \u201cBest of the Abingtons\u201d in the Boutique category.<\/p>\n
That distinction, she said, is not just a reflection of her boutique but also of the sense of community that exists in the Abingtons.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe support each other, we lift each other up,\u201d Atkins said as she described the camaraderie among local small business owners, and particularly women business owners, that populate the Clarks Summit-South Abington commercial corridor. \u201cEach one of us has something unique to offer. No two shops are the same.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Clarks Summit native and 1985 graduate of Abington Heights High School, Atkins took over Golden Coast from its former owner, Bridget Vipond, after moving back from Pittsburgh. She said she had always wanted to run a boutique, but it took some time to find the right fit. In the meantime, she worked alongside Vipond at Golden Coast and, when Vipond became pregnant and prepared to take maternity leave, Atkins took over the reins. \u201cBridget said \u2018Oh, you\u2019re serious about this,\u2019\u201d she said. \u201cAnd so it seemed like a natural step.\u201d<\/p>\n
Golden Coast has a quirky yet welcoming vibe, which Atkins said is a purposeful choice. The store is LGBTQ+ friendly, as evidenced by the assortment of Pride stickers sold during the month of June. That inclusiveness, Atkins said, is a key component of community involvement. Other signs of her commitment to community can be seen throughout the boutique. A Little Free Library painted by local artist and tattooist Jessica Maietta is located right outside of the boutique\u2019s side door. That dedication to local artists extends to Golden Coast\u2019s interior, which includes pieces by Sam Kuchwara. Golden Coast also hosts a fashion show each spring that partners with local organizations such as the Outreach Center for Community Resources, and Atkins is an active member and officer of the Abington Business and Professional Association.<\/p>\n
She\u2019s also a local author. In March, her book \u201cFound: a Potcake Puppy Story\u201d was published by Blue Balloon Books. It tells the story of a puppy named Nevis as she makes her way from the streets of a Caribbean island to a loving forever home. Of course, she called upon local artist Cara Columbo to illustrate the book. Atkins and Columbo\u2019s collaboration can be purchased at Golden Coast.<\/p>\n
With clothing brands like Z Supply and Pistola to whimsical accessories, art and more, the overall effect of Golden Coast is a cohesive boutique that caters to not just one type of woman, but every style of woman. As the store\u2019s website states, it is influenced by \u201cconfident women everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
That influence is solidified by what could be construed as Golden Coast\u2019s mission statement. \u201cWomen-owned. Community-driven. Style that speaks. Good vibes.\u201d Atkins continues to exemplify that mission by showing rather than telling. Whether she\u2019s teamed with other businesses for Fourth Fridays in Clarks Summit, hosting a seasonal book club for local readers or partnering with regional nonprofits, it\u2019s clear that community and connection are crucial to Atkins\u2019s and Golden Coast\u2019s success.<\/p>\n
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