Shelli Scott, a designer who has done runway shows and photoshoots for popular name brands like J.Crew, Target and Macy’s, is now opening her first brick and mortar store in Newburgh.

Scott has been sewing from an early age with a dream to one day be a designer. It all started when she saw her neighbor across the street making pillowcases.

She went on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology where she was able to master her skills and graduated in 2005. It led to her freelance work as a seamstress. In addition to working for popular name brands, she has worked in places like the U.S. Open for player sportswear, doing alterations during Fashion Week and in Broadway theaters where she made clothing.

“Last year I did a lot of pop-ups,” said Scott. “Even with the pandemic, I was planning on opening a store and I went ahead and did it.”

The self-named store opened over the weekend on Saturday, November 14. Between doing freelance work, she ran an online store, which will now coincide with what is at the storefront.

“I am excited to have a storefront because I want people to see clothes in the age of online shopping,” said Scott. “There are people who still enjoy the shopping experience and like to physically try things on.”

She also said she is looking forward to meeting people and getting feedback on what she is doing.

Additionally, she is hoping the brick and mortar will help promote what is online as well.

Both the brick and mortar and online store feature womenswear in the $50 and up price range. She described the style as “sophisticated” and “classic.” She sells everything from dresses, jumpsuits and skirts to pants, tops, bodysuits and more. Additionally, she sells some accessories like hats, gloves and tights.

“I try my hand at whatever I like and hope that other people like it too,” said Scott. “I’ll do something trendy, but I love pieces that are timeless and you can wear over and over again.”

When choosing a location for the storefront, she was originally looking at Middletown.

“I had a business advisor who suggested Newburgh,” said Scott. “She said it had more foot traffic … this was cost efficient.”

Scott’s partner also lives in Newburgh and gave her a better idea of what to expect from the city.

The store will be open from Thursday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 603 Broadway in Newburgh.

For more information or to shop online, head to shelliscott.com.