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Peppergrass & Tulip Celebrates 25 Years

Downtown Mystic shop has all kinds of treasures inside

If you don’t watch Dancing with the Stars, you have surely seen the ads for it. Now, look a little closer. Do you see the jewelry? Mystic’s sells the jewelry.

The unique downtown store filled with rare finds from Victorian-styled décor, French designer dresses to eye-catching jewelry, celebrated 25 years in business this past December, and it all started with owner Mary Ellen Grills and an idea to make gift baskets.

“I was working three jobs,” Grills recalled, “and was injured on one. So I ended up with no jobs. I read an article about women in New York making gift baskets, so I started doing it. I made them with baby items or for weddings, with wine and candles, and sold them at the Crystal Mall. People asked if I had a store, which I didn’t. Eventually I ran out of room in my house to store them so I rented the space above this store here.”

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It took her six months to come up with the name Peppergrass & Tulip, which she did by picking out random names while flipping through a gardening book, and then her idea for a store grew into something that is thriving today. Grills said that in the beginning she wanted to carry “everything that I loved, everything I thought was beautiful and romantic.” She continues that tradition today which is how jewelry from Dancing with the Stars ended up in the shop.

Anne Koplik designs the jewelry worn in the hit reality show and Peppergrass & Tulip carries the gorgeous line of jewelry featuring colorful Austrian crystals in an assortment of colors and styles as well as meaningful symbols. Popular necklaces include those featuring butterflies and dragonflies. Grills admires their “sparkle,” which is probably what makes them great for a show with dancing, but also perfect to wear for a special night out or to make a simple outfit light up.

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The Nataya dresses are also a popular line with a romantic feel. Grills said they are great for weddings—for a bride, a bridesmaid or a guest, depending on the style. This spring Grills is carrying a special white one that she said she can just envision being a wedding dress, which is why she selected it for the store. It wouldn’t be the first wedding dress that Grills has sold, as the line is very popular with those looking for something different yet elegant for their special day.

“When people say, ‘I love your store,’ I think that’s because they have a similar taste like mine, which appeals to something different, romantic and unique,” Grills said. “When people come in and say that, it makes you feel like you’ve got something so special.”

Dzhavael, a new line Peppergrass & Tulip is carrying, features fashionable dresses designed in France, which Grills has brought to Mystic. The stylish line is a rare find and like no other—the comfortable material, ruffles and embellished pockets create a flattering fit. Grills has new arrivals coming in for spring but has featured dresses and vests in the store currently.

“I would like to see it continue on for the enjoyment of those customers who have appreciated it in the past,” Grills said on her hopes for the future.

And as for what’s in store for year 26 of Peppergrass & Tulip, there are many new items coming this spring, and Grill’s is happy to invite customers to the store to see the new arrivals.

“Ignore the bridge, ignore the traffic,” she said, laughing. “We’re sick of it too. So just come down and visit.”

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