LUDLOW, Vt. – Just over five years ago, in October 2020, a charming women’s boutique called 3 Graces quietly opened at 122 Main Street in Ludlow, Vt. Though the world was just six months into the Covid pandemic, 3 Graces received a welcoming reception from residents, who were excited for the new store even as they shopped while wearing masks and keeping 6 feet apart.
At the time, Vermont Journal reporter Sharon Huntley spoke with the store’s owner Cassandra “Cassie” Grace Laurent, and wrote that Laurent had created “a wonderful place where mothers and daughters can each find the perfect piece, be it clothing, jewelry, shoes, or accessories.”
That style, energy, and purpose is still what the Ludlow shop is bringing today, much to the enjoyment of Okemo Valley locals and visitors, many of whom have become fans and loyal, repeat customers.
“Sometimes, we get three generations of women coming in,” said Laura Bellantoni, Laurent’s mother and occasional shop steward. One might say Bellantoni was the inspiration for Laurent’s passion for fashion, and now that relationship has come full circle.
Bellantoni owned her own retail shop where Laurent would play as a child, often with a security tag in her pocket so as not to wander off undetected. “Cassie was always a creative kid, and always wanted to open her own boutique,” Bellantoni recalled.
While earning her business degree at the University of Vermont (UVM), Laurent had intended to accept an internship during her final year, but the program was cancelled due to the pandemic. Laurent admitted, however, that she had been texting her mother pictures of vacant retail spaces, so when Bellantoni was tipped off to a Main Street storefront opening up in Ludlow, the two women talked about Laurent’s career options and opportunities, and quickly, Laurent became the proprietor of 3 Graces.
After signing the contract, the transition felt exciting but tricky for Laurent. “All my plans got cancelled for me,” Laurent relayed, smiling. “In the meantime,” she said, “I had five online classes, I was a full-time waitress on Cape Cod, and I was coming up here two days a week to paint the walls of the store.”
Lovingly, the women chose the shop’s name to honor Laurent’s grandmother Grace, Bellantoni’s niece Grace, and Laurent’s middle name, Grace. The name is also a reference to the Greek goddesses of charm, beauty, and creativity. Laurent designed the store’s elegant logo herself.
Laurent expressed her gratitude for her loyal staff in Ludlow. Lily Vullo was one of the first hired, while she was still in high school. Stephanie Firstbrook is another dedicated shop steward, there from the beginning.
Since opening a second 3 Graces store in Provincetown, Mass., Laurent has been shuttling back and forth from Ludlow to Cape Cod, while also becoming a new mother to son Greyson, age two. Now, preparing to welcome a second child in February, Laurent is embarking on a new venture along with the 3 Graces team. Saturday, Dec. 6, will see the grand opening of a third 3 Graces boutique, at 4943 Main Street in Manchester, Vt.
Each of the locations differ slightly, catering to the needs of their clientele. On the Cape, there is a larger selection of swimwear, for instance, and in Ludlow, more vacation and ski-themed items. For Manchester, Laurent plans to bring a fresh, fun approach geared toward a younger demographic, keeping in mind the students at Burr and Burton Academy.
3 Graces carries high-quality brands such as Free People, Liverpool, and Joe’s Jeans. They always carry some playful pieces around the holidays, with no ugly Christmas sweaters in sight. The shop will continue to host community events, like the recent Sip ‘n Shop held at the Ludlow store last Saturday.
With Laurent’s social media savvy, the store’s online presence on Instagram especially is a lively follow. The opening of the Manchester store happens to coincide with the 15th annual Holiday Lighted Tractor Parade, which features tractors and floats adorned with festive lights and decor traversing the downtown. Santa and Mrs. Claus are also scheduled to make an appearance.
The new store hours will be 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. “most days,” and will be introducing an exclusive new feature: a charm bar, where customers can build their own personal charm necklaces. The Manchester location is within the village, and sits adjacent to an art gallery called 3 Pears, which, according to Laurent, feels just perfect.