By Pamela Dozois
Contributing Writer
Mother and daughter Lisa and Paige Fanning have opened “Suite B” on Bell Street in Los Alamos, a boutique that is an outlet for their numerous artistic skills.
“When we moved to Los Alamos we realized that the town needed something more than wine and antiques,” Lisa said. “With so many visitors staying at the local hotels, we thought it would be a good idea to offer them last-minute toiletries in case they forgot theirs at home, and lovely gifts they could take home with them to remember their stay in Los Alamos. So when the space became available, we jumped at it.”
According to a local historian, Suite B was the town’s original fire house, and before that it was the carriage house for those visiting the Union Hotel. In the 1940s, the building was used as a theater where residents could watch the latest movies, which were projected on a wall.
The Fannings, who manufacture high-projection lighting next door in Suite A at 363 Bell St., said they were unable to remove the “B” from the store front of the retail space. So they had to work with the “B” and decided to call their new boutique simply “Suite B”.
Now Suite B is the newest sweet spot to shop in Los Alamos. The boutique opened on St. Patrick’s Day, which was apropos for the Fanning’s Irish-Dutch heritage. The boutique carries nontoxic skin care products and toiletries, organic pantry items such as local honey and olive oil, handmade gifts by local artisans, art, clothing, jewelry, plants, an array of additions for the home, and even something for pets. It also features a local artist every month.
Both women have had considerable retail experience. Lisa previously owned a clothing store in Solvang and Paige has an eye for design. One of six children, Paige is also studying for her bachelor’s degree in business and a certificate in small business entrepreneurship with the University of Phoenix, a four-year degree program.
“Paige set up the whole shop, choosing the décor, color scheme, and the items for sale,” said Lisa. “She is the idea person with an eye for design, and I make it happen. We make a great team.”
Lisa is also a wedding planner and a partner in “Love Struck Rentals and Events,” which offers event planning and event rentals.
“Being across from the Union Hotel is advantageous for our little business,” Lisa Fanning said. “Although the hotel is closed to the public now and opens only for private events such as weddings, the hotel is still a destination point. It is included in a map of points of interest in Los Alamos and many people come to see the old hotel. The saloon is still open to the public, so it attracts many visitors. And when you say Suite B is directly across from the Union Hotel, everyone knows where to find us.”
The Fannings plan to contribute a percentage of their profits to A 21, a nonprofit organization that helps to fight human trafficking, with 11 offices around the world.
Suite B, at 363 Bell St. in Los Alamos, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Monday.
For more information, call 805-722-7158 or follow them on Instagram @suiteb_onbellst.
