Boutique store opens on Caroline Street

Following a stint living out west for a few years, Rachel Berenbaum returned to Fredericksburg with her husband, Kevin, with a greater sense of — and appreciation for — sustainable consumerism, social responsibility and ethical fashion. That heightened sense and appreciation are now reflected in Rachel’s downtown studio, Phosphene — a charming boutique that officially opened Sept. 21 at 806 Caroline St. featuring “modern objects for the home + self.”

Both alumni of the University of Mary Washington, Rachel and her husband were very familiar with Fredericksburg’s downtown scene. As such, after she’d moved back to town, it dawned on Rachel that she had an opportunity to provide ethically and sustainably sourced women’s clothing, home décor, and skincare and beauty options to consumers. Equally important to fashionistas, the offerings are beautiful.

In addition to selling consumer goods, Phosphene will also be offering various workshops that, for example, teach people to dye clothes naturally using flower petals or teach them how to sew items to a garment – both approaches giving once-seemingly-old items a fresh new look. This ties into the old adage “waste not, want not,” and on the business’ Instagram page (@phosphene_studio) a quote from journalist, public speaker, and author, Elizabeth L. Cline, addresses this nicely: “Clothes could have more meaning and longevity if we think less about owning the latest or cheapest thing and develop more of a relationship with the things we wear.”

Besides the brick-and-mortar location, consumers from near and far will be able to take advantage of Phosphene’s offerings as the studio will soon be launching a 24/7 online store.