» By CONOR SCRUTON [email protected]

While many college students set their sights on graduate school or a workplace, alumna Kaley Drew took a slightly different route, opting to start her own business instead.

The Couture Crush is a clothing boutique located on the second floor of 109 Franklin St. in downtown Clarksville above Mildred and Mable’s. As described by the store’s website, it is “a collection of unique clothing designs and labels with artful accessories ranging from traditional to chic.”

The Couture Crush prides itself on having a wide range of fashion choices. Shoppers can find clothes and accessories for any piece of a wardrobe, and choose between a variety of vintage and modern styles.

Drew described the store’s style by saying, “My goal for each season is to fill Couture Crush with a blend of trends hot off the runway and traditional favorites.”

The boutique also carries many brand names normally found only in bigger cities, such as Judith March,
Glam and Frenzii.

Drew, a Clarksville native, has been working in fashion since she was 9 years old, when she began making jewelry and selling her products at local craft fairs.

“One of my favorite things is to provide the customer with personal style advice and excellent customer service,” Drew said.

After attending high school at Clarksville Academy, Drew enrolled in APSU to study marketing, business and photography. She opened The Couture Crush in the middle of her final semester at APSU, opting not to wait around for her diploma to start her dream job.

The Couture Crush is located in historic downtown Clarksville, just down the street from Clarksville landmarks such as the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery and the Roxy Theatre.

In the same corner of town that hosts the Downtown Radio Show and monthly ArtWalk, Drew has placed her boutique in the midst of many other small businesses that have set an example for success. The Couture Crush is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. TAS