Elizabeth Lee, found at 234 Boston Post road, is a small, woman-run boutique which can be a peaceful oasis for shoppers. For 18 years, the boutique has been owned and run by Elizabeth Ranney Lawless, where she sells clothing, jewelry, purses and other accessories. Customers come to shop here from surrounding towns such as Weston, Sudbury, Framingham, Marlborough, as well as residents of Wayland.

The number of boutiques has decreased over the years, so Elizabeth Lee fills a gap of select pieces of clothing that can’t be found in larger retail chains. Boutiques specialize in unique clothing items that are not sold in bulk.

“Elizabeth Lee specializes in one-on-one styling with our customers,” Lawless said. “We buy things that are special and only carry one size in each style. We make sure our customer comes first and we listen to their needs.”

Lawless travels to fashion shows in Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York, where she picks out what to order for the boutique. The Javits Convention Center is a community partner and a nationwide link where business and pop culture comes together in one building. The fashion show “MAGIC” takes place here and thousands of representatives from all over the country bring samples of products which will then be made based on the amount of orders placed. Lawless will pick items four to six months in advance so that by the time they arrive, it will be the correct season for the items to be sold. Lawless makes sure that each item is delivered with a purpose, so that customers have options that are not seen in many other stores. Most designers agree with the value in unique products in each store, and will only sell a product to one boutique within a five mile radius.

“[Lawless] buys small quantities of all the items so that you don’t see yourself [the clothes you buy] coming and going,” staff member Joyce Angelo said.

There is a small group of women that work at Elizabeth Lee throughout the week. Their job consists of helping customers find clothing that works for them and checking shoppers out. They switch between the two shifts that are available: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 pm..

“We all take care of each other and if something comes up, we just alternate shifts and cover for one another,” Angelo said. “So it’s great, everyone has a great rapport with one another.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic some local small businesses were put out of business with the lack of people out and about because of quarantine. Elizabeth Lee stayed afloat by switching to an online style store. Customers could place orders online and staff members would deliver the clothing directly to their house.

“Even though all of the businesses were closed down during the pandemic, [the online store] kept Elizabeth Lee going and kept [Lawless] very busy,” Angelo said.

The boutique is catered to all ages of women and has different styles and options for any shopper. It aims to bring women together over a love for fashion and quality pieces of clothing.

“My favorite part of running the business is getting to know local customers, and putting a smile on their face,” Lawless said. “We make their shopping experience unique and the clothing they are buying special. Fashion is an exciting and creative way to express yourself and the world is reflected in our style. Putting on something beautiful or simple can make you feel just right.”