#TBT: Selena Etc. sold boutique fashion selected by the beloved singer and style icon
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For years, fans of Tejano star Selena Quintanilla-Perez could drop in at the Corpus Christi boutique and salon bearing her name and reminisce on her life and love of fashion.
In 1993, Selena Etc. opened at 4926 Everhart Road. The new business was a boutique and salon, with two hairdressers offering full-service haircuts, color, perms, highlights and up-dos. Nail technicians did full manicures and pedicures along with fiberglass, sculpture, acrylic and gel nails. There was even a massage therapist on staff. As a grand opening special, a haircut and style ran $20 and a full set of acrylic nails discounted from $50 to $35
An advertisement in the Feb. 17, 1994, Caller-Times boasted of the new business’ clothing and accessories, some designed by Selena herself. “Everything from bustiers to jeweled and studded suede-fringe jackets are on display. Selena also offers a wide array of handpicked jewelry and hats to add the finishing touch to the new you.”
More: #TBT: Previously unpublished photos of Selena at Corpus Christi middle school recovered
“When it comes to fashion, Selena doesn’t settle for the ordinary,” another ad in March 1994 read. “Her fashions will distinguish you from the crowd.”
“I’ve always had a thing about clothes,” she told the Caller-Times in a Dec. 4, 1994, interview. “I like clothes and I like to look different. (The business) has taken a lot – time and money,” she said. But she needed the diversion from her music career. “It’s something to look forward to at home besides sleeping.”
She had recently expanded, opening a location in San Antonio.
During the interview she talked about recent college courses she was taking, including business courses. “I thought I would get my degree in (fashion) design, because that fascinates me. But I feel I’ll be of more service to my employees, my husband and my family if I know more about business.”
And when she’s 40 and singing only when she wants to, she said, the business will still be there.
She never got that chance to expand her new business venture. On March 31, 1995, she was murdered by Yolanda Saldivar, Selena’s employee who also served as president of the fan club.
More: #TBT: Scenes from 'Selena' filmed around South Texas towns in 1996
As news of the singer’s death spread, fans began leaving flowers and candles outside the boutique, and then writing messages on the walls. The boutique closed shortly after the shooting and remained closed for weeks. As they prepared to re-open, the Quintanilla family had the stucco exterior repainted and the sidewalks cleaned. The family said in interviews, though they appreciated the support of fans, they hoped they would stop writing on the walls and sidewalk, and instead send messages and cards to the offices of Q Productions, the family recording studio on Leopard Street.
On April 20, 1995, the Corpus Christi boutique reopened, with fans lining up to be the first inside the building. Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, Selena’s older sister and bandmate, took on management of the boutique and salon which began selling the officially licensed Selena merchandise and the spring collection of clothing and perfumes Selena selected before her death.
The business remained for the next decade, continuing to sell merchandise and offer salon services, but also serving as a touchpoint for fans from all over the world who visited Corpus Christi to honor the slain singer. The boutique eventually closed in June 2009, and the remaining memorabilia moved to Q Productions.
Allison Ehrlich writes about things to do in South Texas and has a weekly Throwback Thursday column on local history.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: #TBT: Selena Etc. sold boutique fashion selected by the beloved singer
