FRANKLIN—Angela Spratley Stephenson has spent 16 years in the retail industry, working for the likes of Dilliard’s, Hecht’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom.

This month, she gets to work for her own business, Creations.

“This is the first business I’ve run,” Stephenson said from her new store at 701D South St. in Franklin on Tuesday. “I’ve dreamed about doing something like this since I was a little girl.”

Gift baskets also gave her the idea of opening her own business. She has made gift baskets for all occasions, especially for mothers and teachers.

“The baskets are OK, but I had to do something to give the community a little more,” Stephenson said. “So I’m offering clothing too. But clothing (styles) come and go. I really love my baskets and my candles.”

The boutique caters toward younger children and men, but offers urban wear, casual wear, shoes for women and children, and accessory jewelry.

Stephenson said her store had its grand opening on July 2 and did a brisk business on that day. Business has slowed since then, but she is optimistic about the store’s long-term future.

“I do plan on being here for the long haul,” Stephenson said. “If it grows, I’d like to go to downtown Franklin, maybe over by the railroad tracks.”

Creations is also a family business. Stephenson’s son, Tyquan of Portsmouth, purchased the drywall and carpeting for the new store. Her daughter, Ashley Spratley, works the register and helps keep the store clean.

“I’m proud of her,” Spratley said of her mother. “I like helping out.”

Creations is open from 9 a.m. to

6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The telephone number is 653-8576.