By JIM LUKSIC
The Progress
Not long before the Mesquite boutique Juniper Outpost opened in March 2022, owner Charlotte Sirianni hadn’t decided on its full name.
She knew only that Juniper had to be part of it.
“It was ‘go’ time,” Charlotte said, noting she had already committed to a lease at the Mesquite Plaza site through Jensen Property Management.
That’s when Jensen manager Lucy Rutner suggested adding the word ‘outpost,’ which Charlotte approved of instantly. “The name just makes sense,” she said, explaining her fondness for nature – specifically juniper evergreen trees and bushes with their “sculptural, very unique form.”
Her husband, David, pointed out that a juniper bush ultimately “flourishes and creates something beautiful.”
Charlotte, who previously worked in the healing arts as an esthetician and massage therapist, expressed thanks for the “affordable opportunity” to open Juniper Outpost, which she described as “filling a need and something fun to experience” with retail.
Carol Kolson, Mesquite Chamber of Commerce CEO, agrees with that assessment and wasn’t surprised Juniper Outpost won the organization’s 2023 award for Woman-owned Business of the Year.
“It is an awesome store that has something for everyone, and everything is of the finest quality,” Kolson explained, also noting the staff is polite and eager to help. “I love the fact that everything they select to carry in their store has a story behind it, and they know the artists personally.”
Charlotte described the Chamber plaudits as a “very exciting and unexpected” honor that afforded her the opportunity to meet other female business owners.
The boutique’s merchandise – some of which stems from what the Siriannis discover while traveling – ranges from decor and apothecary items to pantry products and artwork, the last of which is overseen by their steadfast colleague Lynn Brooks.
“Lynn has been a participant in our artists program and now manages it,” Charlotte said of the shop’s artists program, which comprises approximately 40 creators and designers. “She is dedicated to meeting and working with our local talent.”
Juniper Outpost’s most popular wares among shoppers, according to David, have been locally made jewelry; pantry items such as gourmet pancake mix and balsamic vinegar; and women’s apparel.
Charlotte couldn’t pick a personal favorite within the walls. “Creating this space is my true outlet,” she said.
David asserted his motivation grows from meeting members of the community. “I get the most juice helping customers get connected to the artists; we select vendors who are doing good in the world, donating to charities for world hunger and women’s independence in other countries.”
Meanwhile, Charlotte credited her spouse and their decision to move from Minnesota to Mesquite circa 2020. “I love to honor my partner and husband, and appreciate the fun we’re having,” she said. “This is affirming that we made the right decision.”
Upon being asked about second thoughts due to obstacles when Juniper was in the works, she drew a blank and tipped her cap to the city. “There wasn’t one hurdle getting my doors open,” Charlotte said, adding she has learned to embrace the “nitty-gritty aspect” of conducting business.
“Now that I have a better understanding, I focus more on curating,” she said. “We want to continue to refine what we’re doing.”
Doing so won’t be difficult, in Chamber President Kolson’s opinion. “Charlotte is one of the smartest women I know. She’s good at reading people and has a great business acumen.”
