Dragonfly in Rochester

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Soy-based, handmade candles with essential oils and custom knit or crocheted hats and scarves are just two reasons to flock to Dragonfly Boutique in downtown Rochester.

Owner Heather Matteson, 36, of Ferndale takes pride in her crafty creations, which helps her boutique -- also equipped with selective clothes, accessories and purses -- to stand out from the rest.

She may have moved shop from its original 1999 Ferndale spot, but the store’s focus and catchy name remains the same. “I love Ferndale, but I wanted to change, and after going around to lots of cities, I decided Rochester was the best place,” Matteson says. “Still close to home where I grew up in Clarkston.”

So does a new location mean a new Dragonfly?
It’s definitely a lot different than the last one. It’s not quite as flashy -- more adult.

What’s everything you got here? What makes you fly?
We’re women’s clothing, both casual and dressy, plus jewelry, accessories, purses, belts and scarves.  

What about those unique, one-of-a-kind items, only found at Dragonfly?
I have my own line of jewelry that I make, plus the soaps, candles, scarves and hats, which are exclusive to my store. Plus, they’re for reasonable prices. The jewelry is made with semi-precious stones, the candles are lead free and have cotton wicks and the handmade scarves and hats come in a variety of yarn, colors, shapes and sizes.

What kinds of designers do you carry here?
It’s unique; no mass branding. I believe in choosing one brand and going with that and I work hard to have those reasonable prices, too. I find things in the U.S., Canada and Poland, as well. Plus I love going to L.A.; that’s one of my favorite places.

What looks are you pushing this season?
Skinny jeans, long sweaters, keeping things basic, but dressing it up with a colorful scarf and big earrings. I love big earrings. Keeping clothes simple, but accessorizing.

Who do you consider a Dragonfly shopper?
Anyone in their 20s-40s who likes to dress fashionable but doesn’t like a ridiculous price tag.

What’s coming up next we should know about?
The Kris Kringle Market on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24 in Rochester. I’ve been working really hard for that, literally making a bunch of hats and scarves and it’s taken a lot of prep work, but it will be worth it. The booth will have all entirely handmade things. After that, it’ll be the Big Bright Light display and Christmas Parade in downtown Rochester.