Name of business: A Twist of Elegance Boutique

Type of business: Women and children’s clothing, home decor and gifts

Location: 125 S. Center St. in downtown Turlock

Hours: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Contact information: 209-620-8522

Specialty: Dresses for special occasions

History of business:

Since opening her second location in Turlock’s downtown core last summer, A Twist of Elegance Boutique owner Miyako Cooper has received a warm welcome. 

“So many people have come in asking how long I’ve been here, and then they’ll come back and bring their friends with them. I’ve met so many people since I opened this new location and it’s just been the best,” Cooper said. “I’ve really been enjoying it here and women have been giving me some incredible feedback. They say it’s cool and comfortable.”

From the floral arrangements cascading down from the ceiling to cozy — but chic — seating arrangements for shoppers who may need to take a break, customers hit the nail on the head when it comes to describing A Twist of Elegance Boutique. With more space, Cooper’s artistic vision has come to life inside of her stunning second location. Her original location on Lander Avenue opened in 2019, and now Turlockers can experience twice the elegance at either shop. 

“I’ve had people stop by who were from Australia, from New York. They’ve told me it reminds them of somewhere they would go in the Bay Area or a big city,” Cooper said. “There’s room to move around and the customers have really voiced that, to them, it feels elegant.”

A Twist of Elegance Boutique offers gowns and dresses for special occasions like weddings and prom, as well as formal wear for children and toddlers. Many dresses are vintage, with Cooper taking the time to handpick items she knows customers will love. Cooper also sells lightly used and consignment clothing in the boutique, with an entire back room filled with pre-loved coats, dresses, shirts and more for shoppers to choose from. 

In addition to clothing, the boutique also sells seasonal and timeless home decor (which Cooper says tends to fly off the shelves) and gifts like bath and body goods. Cooper has also held women’s inspirational meetings in the space, which she intends to pick back up once the current COVID surge has died down.

“I say that I do a little bit of everything,” Cooper laughed. 

A Twist of Elegance Boutique has yet to host its grand opening, she added, because of the pandemic. But a soft opening near the end of 2021 allowed her to see just how welcoming the downtown core can be. 

“I’ve always wanted to be downtown,” Cooper said. “So far, it’s amazing.”