Birmingham AL, business — Mallory Barnett, co-owner of Elements. photo via Kristina O’Quinn for Bham Now

Do you look for unique clothing to express yourself? Love small, local shops with attention to detail and local products? Mallory Barnett tell us all about her new store, Elements, in this week’s edition of Small Business Monday!

I am co-owner the store, Elements, with my partner, Johnnie Shaneyfelt. Elements is located in the Shoppes of Crestwood, at 5514 Crestwood Boulevard. We have been open for a month and a half.

Elements offers men’s and women’s new apparel with a dash of vintage and local goods. I am excited to have men’s clothing. It’s a market I’ve never really worked with but fills a niche that’s needed around these areas.

I’d like people to know that we supply your basic clothing needs. Those good wear every day pieces. However, we are trying to pull in unique goods, from local items to vintage to bold prints, that make your style feel more you. We want to bring in all of the elements that can pull it together for you. And we’re still growing, so continue to shop and check back with us as we figure out how we can best supply our customers.

Our most unusual product is our embroidered pieces by Small Woods Studios. I love them! She (Tamara Harper) does funny relatable phrases but with precision. She makes them beautiful and they add a lot of character to whatever space you add it into.

We love Birmingham, the people, the character, the resilience. There is still so much to be done in this city but I am proud to be a part of where it is now. Crestwood is amazing- the community here has been overwhelmingly welcoming. If you haven’t visited Crestwood, gone to the park, shopped around here or eaten at the Filling Station, you are missing out!

The hardest thing about being a small business owner is finding balance. Especially when we were renovating the space. Balancing personal and business and maintaining the integrity of our own relationship as well. But we learned so much from it.

The most rewarding thing about being a small business owner is waking up and working hard to impress myself. You are your best critic and your worst enemy. It feels good to give myself a pat on the back at the end of the day (if I deserve it!)

My hope for the future of Birmingham is that we continue on this path of young growth and development while still remembering what our city has come from so we stay humble. That more of the talented, driven, creative people we know get to have the same experience we did with opening a small business if they want it, and that our small businesses will be rewarded with success and longevity.