Henry’s business prospered.

Henry Co. develops two new businesses.

Olivia Blackford carefully curates Backroad Shenanigans’ new store displays. (Photo submission)

Many Backroad Shenanigans children’s clothing are inspired by western style. (Photo submission)

MT. PLEASANT — Business is booming in Henry County, with the addition of Children’s Boutique in downtown Mt. Pleasant and his Maleo Custom Designs in a new partnership with Outlaw Tees in New London.

On Wednesday, February 1st, Backroad Shenanigans held its official grand opening ceremony at its new store at 217 W. Washington St.

The boutique offers a variety of sizes and styles for the youngest fashionistas in the Mount Pleasant area. They also carry bespoke clothing made by boutique owner Olivia Blackford.

Blackford has announced the news that it will launch Backroad Shenanigans as an online business in January 2021 with a physical store opening on January 20, 2023.

“We had a need for children’s clothing and found that most people couldn’t find it,” Blackford said as the reason for opening the boutique.

Blackford says much of her style influence comes from clothing, but she tries to offer options to her inventory.

Blackford will continue to post some of their inventory on the Backroad Shenanigan Facebook page.

New London welcomes new business as Outlaw Tees begin moving gear on January 24th.

Lance Ingwerson of Maleo Custom Designs will take over print production and establish Outlaw Tees’ Iowa location, according to a news release from Outlaw Tees.

Outlaw Tees currently has offices in Nauvoo, Illinois.

They’re moving print production to this new Iowa location, in addition to their current office, as owners John and Connie McCarty begin to slow down.

“Outlaw Tees was founded in 1984 in the small, historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois,” their website says. “Our main business was supplying shirts to local auto shows. This is still the main part of our business, but we are expanding into many other areas.”

“Lance has many years of screen printing experience and is familiar with new techniques and procedures to improve quality and production times,” said Outlaw Tees in a news release.

The new Ingwersen-operated office is located at 113 W. Main St., New London.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com