Monica Sykes and Jacquelynn Richardson enjoy giving back to the community in many ways, including through their downtown shop, Unique Gifts by Jacquelynn.

Living out her dream, Jacquelynn Richardson is offering the community unique gifts of all fashions while giving back to the community at the same time.

Last November, Richardson opened Jacquelynn’s Unique Gifts as a way to offer Sampson County something a little different. The 1,748-square-foot building is located on Vance Street, just across from the Sampson County Courthouse.

“It has always been a passion of mine,” Richardson, who has worked in payroll for many years, said about opening the business. “I wanted to open (a place) that offered something a little different.”

Richardson’s location isn’t something that just happened. It was, instead, a well-thought out plan meant to provide gifts that are unique and different, but at the same time, useful. She says she wanted to be a part of the downtown community as a way to help revitalize the downtown area so it can continue to grow.

When Richardson was pondering the idea of opening the boutique, she visited her current location inquiring about the lease. When she walked in, Richardson said she knew instantly it was perfect to fulfill her dream.

“The concept of the different rooms was just what I was looking for,” Richardson noted. “All the rooms are different and address the different needs of a person’s wishes.”

Downtown and with a location that offers seven different rooms, has afforded Richardson the opportunity to satisfy her customers.

“I like to hear people come in and talk about how different our gifts are,” Richardson said. “I really try to offer gifts that aren’t carried in any other store around.”

Jacquelynn’s Unique Gifts is exactly what the name implies. According to Richardson, she carries a multitude of items, from something perfect for a woman, to just the gift a man needs.

“I have seven rooms filled with something for everyone,” she attested.

In the boutique, Richardson carries many locally-made items, like bows and wreaths.

“I try to be a venue for local craftsmen,” Richardson stated.

One of the most unique and customizable gifts carried in the store are glass blocks. Richardson and her daughter Monica Sykes, who runs the store, design the blocks themselves and have shipped them all over. Richardson also sells a line of candles, a scent she simply calls Sampson County, made by C.A Candle Company in Benson.

Richardson also carries children’s items made by Doug and Melissa and Stephen Joseph.

“We offer quality products for the kids,” Richardson said. “We also have items for babies.”

According to Richardson, her main goal is to offer something for everyone.

“I want my customers to be able to come here and find the perfect gift for the entire family,” Richardson said. “Even their animals. We offer gifts that are perfect for any occasion.”

In an effort to give back to the community, Richardson donates 10 percent of all sales from pink ribbon merchandise to the American Cancer Society. In addition to this donation, $1 of the Gotta Kill It to Heal It T-shirt sales goes to the Kay Yow Foundation.

“It’s important for us to continue giving back to the community,” Richardson said.

Unique Gifts by Jacquelynn is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The first Thursday of each month the store is open until 8 p.m.

All of Richardson’s items are available for sale on the boutique’s Facebook page at facebook.com/uniquegiftsbyjacquelynnclintonnc.