Emporium 23: More Than a Boutique

Emporium 23 is a women’s style brand rooted in curated apparel and accessories, built around connection, creativity, and real life wearability. Founded by Laurel with shop dog Tobias by her side, Emporium 23 began as a boutique experience and has grown into something more flexible and far reaching bringing thoughtfully chosen style to pop ups, events, and wherever community gathers.

Style still tells a story here. It just travels a little farther now.

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Meet Laurel

Founder, dreamer, and the heart behind Emporium 23.

Tobias. "Shop Manager"

Greeter, rug-napper, and everyone’s favorite coworker.

Where Style Meets Community

Laurel created Emporium 23 with a clear vision: to bring fashion, creativity, and connection together in a way that feels personal and approachable. It’s never been about chasing trends. It’s about curating apparel and accessories that feel authentic, expressive, and easy to wear in real life.

What started as a boutique has evolved into a more flexible experience. Today, Emporium 23 shows up through pop ups, events, and creative gatherings bringing the same thoughtful style and welcoming energy to people where they are. Every piece reflects Laurel’s eye for detail, her love of individuality, and her belief that style is better when it’s shared.

Emporium 23 isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling you can find wherever community and creativity come together.

Emporium 23 boutique display with curated apparel, accessories, and artisan gifts

Laurel: The Vision Behind Emporium 23

Every brand has a point of view. At Emporium 23, that vision starts with Laurel. As founder and curator, she brings together fashion, creativity, and community in a way that feels personal, effortless, and real.

With a natural eye for style and a deep love for people, Laurel has always believed fashion is more than what you wear. It’s how you express yourself and how you show up in the world. What began as a boutique has evolved into a more flexible, on the move experience one that meets people through pop ups, events, and creative gatherings while staying true to its roots.

Emporium 23 reflects Laurel’s passion for thoughtful apparel, meaningful accessories, and pieces that make you feel confident without trying too hard. Every collection is chosen with intention, focused on individuality, comfort, and style that fits real life.

For Laurel, Emporium 23 isn’t about a single location. It’s about connection wherever it happens. Bringing style to people where they are and creating moments that feel welcoming, inspiring, and authentically you.

Dog relaxing on a cozy blue chair inside Emporium 23 boutique

Tobias: The Shop Manager

Every great brand has a personality, and at Emporium 23, Tobias helps set the tone. Loyal sidekick, professional napper, and unofficial greeter, he brings warmth and personality to everything Emporium 23 does whether at an event, a pop up, or behind the scenes.

Adopted into Laurel’s world early on, Tobias quickly became part of the story. He has a way of making people feel comfortable, welcome, and instantly at ease. The kind of presence that turns a quick stop into a memorable moment and reminds people that style doesn’t have to feel serious to be meaningful.

You’ll spot Tobias lounging nearby, keeping Laurel company during long days, or quietly supervising from his favorite spot. Regulars know him as “the boss,” and newcomers tend to fall for him fast.

Just like Emporium 23 itself, Tobias represents what the brand is all about approachable style, genuine connection, and a little bit of unexpected charm wherever it shows up.

The Heart of Emporium 23

  • Our Style

    Curated women’s apparel and accessories that blend modern trends with timeless pieces. Chosen to be wearable, expressive, and easy to style wherever life takes you.

  • Our Community

    Emporium 23 is about connection beyond a storefront. From pop ups to workshops and events, we create spaces where people, creativity, and shared experiences come together.

  • Our Promise

    Every piece is selected with intention focusing on quality, personality, and versatility. Style should feel personal, approachable, and a little unexpected every time.

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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, NC

Emporium 23 was born in Newton, NC, shaped by creativity, community, and a love for personal style. While the brand now shows up through pop ups, events, and curated experiences, its roots remain firmly planted in the place that inspired it all.

Whether you discover Emporium 23 at an event, a workshop, or online, you’ll feel the same spirit that started it style with intention, creativity without pretense, and a welcoming energy that travels wherever we go.

Newton isn’t just where Emporium 23 began. It’s the foundation that continues to influence how we connect, create, and bring style to people wherever they are.

More Than a Boutique

Emporium 23 has always been about more than what’s on the rack. It’s about creativity, connection, and helping people grow with confidence.

That same philosophy extends through North & Bloom, co led by Laurel as a space for makers, creatives, and small business owners looking for clarity and support. Through conversations, shared resources, and real world insight, North & Bloom helps businesses grow without losing what makes them personal.

It’s all connected. The same eye for style, intention, and thoughtful curation that shapes Emporium 23 also fuels how Laurel shows up for the creative community beyond the boutique.

Different lanes. Same heart. Same vision.

Visit North & Bloom

Discover What Emporium 23 Does Best

  • blind date with a book wrapped mystery read

    Blind Date With a Book

    Choose a genre, skip the spoilers, and unwrap a surprise. Each Blind Date With a Book is thoughtfully curated to introduce you to new authors in a fun, gift-ready way—perfect for readers who love discovery without overthinking it.

    Blind Date With a Book
  • Upcycled boutique pants with bold graphic print and red rose design – unique artisan fashion from Emporium 23

    Apparel

    Women’s apparel designed for everyday wear and effortless styling. From easy layers to standout pieces, this collection blends comfort, quality, and modern style—made to dress up, dress down, and wear often.

    Shop Apparel
  • Display of handmade artisan bracelets with colorful beads and unique designs – boutique jewelry from Emporium 23

    Accessories

    Complete your look with boutique accessories that mix easily into your wardrobe. From jewelry to handbags and everyday add-ons, these pieces add personality, polish, and versatility without feeling overdone.

    Shop Accessories
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