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By Christen M. Stroh

Residents of Monongahela may have noticed a new business has opened its doors this past summer, and – like the name suggests – it’s anything but common.

Uncommonly Bella offers a variety of handmade and vintage items. The new boutique is located where Vintage Valley used to be, at 168 W. Main Street in Monongahela.

Uncommonly Bella, a new boutique, opened its doors to the public officially in May and has been busy promoting itself to its clientele ever since. Co-owners Bonnie Brand and Holly Biagini opened their business for a specific reason: to give the city of Monongahela something it didn’t have.

“Looking at Monongahela, there are so many antique stores and thrift stores, and nothing like this. We wanted to bring something different to the community and to the Valley,” said Brand.

The boutique features a number of vintage items as well as vintage-style items, and what sets it apart from other boutiques in the area is that it works to secure local vendors to sell handmade items. Currently, Holly, in addition to being an owner, makes handmade baby clothes, and there are several other vendors who sell their wares at Uncommonly Bella. Joni Simpson makes handmade pillows. Audrey Wones specializes in jewelry, making leather cuff bracelets, spoon bracelets, and beaded jewelry. Ron Pudlowski, a photographer, makes postcards of key points in the area. Megan Leech focuses on jewelry made with Swarovski crystals, and Jessica Weinstein contributes to the mix with her essential oils. Jennifer Kisiday specializes in soaps, lotions, and bath bombs, and Erin Liposky does paintings. Michelle Dusch makes painted glass items, such as wind chimes and wine glasses, and Susie Simpkins details T-shirts for both children and adults through screenprinting. There are even homemade dog treats, made by Judy McCurry.

The shop also stocks flavored olive oils, flavored vinegars, candles, and so many other unique gift items.

Uncommonly Bella

“What really makes us stand out is that no one else offers all the handmade items in combination with the vintage stuff,” said Brand. “We have a really nice combination of things that all go together really well and complement each other, and we’re always looking for new vendors to come in as well. At our store, it's not about wearing vintage to look like you're wearing a costume, but rather, incorporating vintage to create your own individual look.”

Uncommonly Bella is located at 168 W. Main Street in Monongahela and is open Tuesday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. They are occasionally open on Sundays as well. For more information, find them on Facebook or call 724-797-4855.

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