About Emporium 23

Emporium 23 is an online women’s boutique built around thoughtful curation rather than endless choice. Founded by Laurel Jenkins in Newton, North Carolina, the shop brings together wearable apparel, accessories, personalized Curated Thrift Boxes, Blind Date With a Book gifts, and creative mobile pop ups and events.

The goal is simple: make shopping feel personal, approachable, and easier to enjoy. Pieces are chosen for real-life wear, personality, and the ability to mix into a wardrobe without requiring a complete reinvention.

Meet Laurel

Founder and curator behind Emporium 23.

Tobias, Shop Manager

Greeter, napper, and unofficial morale department.

Curated for Real Life

Emporium 23 started as a physical boutique and has evolved into an online-first business with select merchandise available through local retail partners and occasional in-person events. The format changed, but the point of view did not.

Laurel still chooses products with the same practical filter: would this feel good to wear, easy to style, useful to gift, or genuinely fun to discover? That same approach shapes the specialty experiences too, from personalized secondhand clothing boxes to wrapped mystery books.

Aerial view of the Downtown Newton NC water tower with Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, representing the local community near Emporium 23.

Rooted in Newton, North Carolina

Emporium 23 began in Newton, NC, and that local foundation still matters. Today the full assortment is easiest to shop online, while select items may also appear at partner retail locations and mobile pop ups.

Events are not tied to one permanent venue. Emporium 23 can show up at partner locations, markets, collaborative spaces, and community events throughout the region.

The Heart of Emporium 23

Our Style
Curated women’s apparel and accessories selected for everyday wear, easy styling, and personality without unnecessary fuss.
Shop Apparel
Our Experiences
Mobile pop ups, workshops, and collaborative events bring Emporium 23 to different venues and communities.
Explore Events
Our Specialty Finds
Curated Thrift Boxes and Blind Date With a Book turn shopping and gifting into something more personal and unexpected.
Explore the Shop

Shop What Emporium 23 Does Best

Blind Date With a Book
A wrapped mystery read chosen by genre or as a complete surprise, designed for readers and gift giving.
Shop Blind Date With a Book
Apparel
Women’s clothing selected for comfort, versatility, and everyday wear.
Shop Apparel
Accessories
Jewelry, bags, and finishing pieces chosen to add personality without overcomplicating an outfit.
Shop Accessories