One Of The Most Incredible Small Businesses In Nebraska, Broken Spoke Boutique Gives Back To The Community With Beautiful, One-Of-A-Kind Items
Tucked away in a historic building that once served as a bank, Broken Spoke Boutique is a hidden gem in every sense of the word. This family-owned-and-operated small business offers an impressive selection of clothing for women and children, Fair Trade accessories, lovely gifts, gourmet chocolates, and a selection of items made right here in Nebraska. Yet the purpose of Broken Spoke Boutique goes much deeper. This mission-driven business gives back to society, helping to rescue victims of human trafficking, supporting cancer research, planting trees for each item sold, and much more.
Welcome to Broken Spoke Boutique! Located on historic Main Street in the heart of Valentine, Nebraska, this small business is one you'll want to visit time and time again.
The building where the shop is located holds a fascinating piece of Nebraska history. Built in 1915, the former Nebraska State Bank operated here until 1964. For nearly 50 years, the building served many different purposes, but its original elegance began to fade away.
Whitney and Phil Mayhew saw the immense potential of this historic building, restoring it to its former glory while also suffusing the space with fresh energy.
Original characteristics like the tin ceiling, hardwood details, and mosaic hexagon tile floor were delicately restored during the boutique's renovation. While the process wasn't easy, it was important to the owners that the building itself felt as authentic and unique as the products inside.
What you'll find today is a delightful combination of historic character and intentional style. The bright, airy space is a breath of fresh air that will immediately make you feel at home, whether you're a resident of Valentine or a tourist passing through town.
The mission behind Broken Spoke Boutique is that each hand-selected item tells a story. The owners have carefully and intentionally selected products from local and global artisans, curating a store with items you won't find anywhere else. "We love to tell the stories of the pieces as well," says Whitney Mayhew, "and I think people love the stories as much as they do the products. I do at least!"
Perhaps most impressive of all is the fact that each purchase has a tangible, positive impact.
Not only does each item support the independent artisan who supplied it, but often, it also supports an incredible cause. Many vendors represented at Broken Spoke Boutique are committed to serving those in need.
Discussing her shop, Mayhew notes, "We are proud to offer unique vendors that not only have one-of-a-kind products, but that give back to society to help make our world a better place for everyone — whether it’s working to rescue victims of human trafficking, planting trees for each product sold, supporting cancer research, feeding children in need, fighting against domestic abuse, helping people in impoverished countries... they are people helping people."
Additionally, the boutique is intentional about supporting the local Valentine community.
Whether that's inviting the FBLA to sell donuts outside the shop, supporting the local Arts Council, donating prizes to the high school prom, or raising money for local families in need, Broken Spoke Boutique has become a dedicated resource of Valentine.
Reflecting on the local community, Mayhew says, "They are all about supporting local and it’s just incredible. This makes serving the community a beautiful thing because, if it wasn't for the community, we wouldn’t be here."
So when you visit Broken Spoke Boutique in Valentine, be sure to dedicate plenty of time to appreciate each and every item in the shop. You'll find this welcoming store is making a big difference, one sale at a time!
Some specialty items to keep an eye out for include locally made jewelry that looks like Nebraska's famous sandhills, beautiful beads by Mayhew's daughter Zoey that support orphaned children in India, and local Nebraska honey. If you're considering making an online purchase, rest assured the transaction will be completely carbon-neutral, too. Click here to do a little shopping online!
Have you ever shopped at Broken Spoke Boutique in Nebraska? If so, we would love to hear all about your experience there. Learn more about this mission-driven business in Nebraska by visiting the Broken Spoke Boutique website and Facebook page. For more information, you can call (803) 422-1629.
Is there another local business you’d like to see featured at Only In Nebraska? Nominate them here! And be sure to follow Only In Nebraska on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about news, events, and must-visit attractions in the Cornhusker State.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Broken Spoke Boutique, 205 N Main St, Valentine, NE 69201, USA
Nebraska In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Alexandria. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
