By Krystle J Bailey
American Honey Ladies Retail Boutique hosted a grand opening last Saturday, Oct. 7. The ribbon cutting featured Jahna Michal and Cat Country 107.3, as well as Galloway Mayor Tony Coppola.
The long-awaited opening is the reason behind Stephanie Wiker’s smile. The mom of five has spent the entirety of her adult life completely devoted to motherhood while running a cleaning business on the side out of necessity. While she did well with the business and raising children became her main focus, Stephanie long dreamed of pursuing a career in fashion. With a few kids out of the nest, one in college, one in the United States Air Force, and the youngest “golden child” old enough for a little more independence, Stephanie pursued that dream and opened the door to American Honey on Aug. 14, 2023.
American Honey, located at 68 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd, Suite 7, in Galloway, is a high-end consignment boutique that offers a wide range of women’s styles, sizes, and brands, including Anthropologie, Loft, Ann Taylor, Express, Calvin Klein, and American Eagle, as well as off-brand apparel. The resale items are either brand new or like-new and individually selected by Wiker through an appointment process.
Wiker, a country music-loving daughter of a preacher, explains that it was her hometown American roots combined with her love for her “honey” of 22 years that inspired the name for her business.
“Like many preacher’s daughters, I have a religious side,” explains Wiker about her faith. “I’ve been asking God to use me with this store for whatever purpose. My dad passed away this summer after a long battle with prostate cancer, and preparing to open this store was just God’s perfect timing.”
It’s that purpose that Wiker explains she lives every day as she connects with women of all walks of life who come into her store to shop, chat, and connect.
“I am definitely in my purpose right now, and I’m able to do it with something that I love,” shares Wiker. “I love fashion and clothes. I love making women feel beautiful because they are!”
American Honey is currently open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., though Wiker plans to extend weekend hours in the near future. Currently, Stephanie is not accepting new consignment appointments, as the store is filled to capacity. When appointments open up, they will be listed on social media at AmericanHoney_NJ.
American Honey’s “Galloween” Party is taking place Friday, Oct.27, from 5-7 p.m. featuring a night of shopping, sangria, costumes, and more. Visit American Honey on Facebook and Instagram.
“I’ve always loved the relationship between women and honey, too,” explains Wiker. “We’re all kind of American Honeys in a way.”
