Expanding her business

After putting in 14-hour days for the last month in preparation for the opening of her second businesss, local businesswoman Courean Napolitano is excited for this weekend.

Saturday marks the grand opening for Napolitano’s new business, Vixen Collection, situated next to Starbucks on Queen Anne Avenue North, in the former Peridot space.

Napolitano has owned Vixen in Magnolia for 20 years but has considered expanding for some time, and she has high hopes for her new location.

“This is something that I wanted to do prior to the pandemic,” Napolitano said.

Initially she was considering a site in Ballard and Bainbridge Island, but then the store front on Queen Anne Avenue North became available, and she knew it was where she wanted to open as she and her family have long ties to the community.

“It looks so different from when I was a kid, and I want to infuse a little bit of charm into the main drag of Queen Anne,” Napolitano said.

Whereas Vixen in Magnolia will remain a day spa and clothing retail space, Vixen Collection will feature clothing for women and later for men, home decor, housewares and gifts. Napolitano said the price point is considered moderate.

Napolitano said her aesthetic is “beach chic” and describes it as being subtly sophisticated with California and a “endless summer” feel as her inspiration. Despite moving to a location close to other stores similar to her own, she said all the boutique owners work together so they don’t duplicate brands and, instead, complement each other.

“For me, it just feels like it’s a destination,” she said. “I want people to come up her to Queen Anne or Magnolia.”

Napolitano said part of her business model includes hiring staff locally and becoming active in the Chamber of Commerce.

“What I hope to do in the community we’re involved in is become a part of the fabric of the community,” she said.

Napolitano said she will split her time between her Magnolia and Queen Anne stores after Saturday, which she knows will keep her busy, but she is excited for the opportunity.

“I live here. I love what I do,” she said. “My children are grown. This is my baby.”

Business hours are tentatively 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays, but that will stay flexible until Napolitano determines shopping habits. See vixencollection.com for more information.