A Look Inside BHAM’s New Athleisure Boutique

Springtime is a beautiful but busy season, from end-of-school activities and graduations to long-awaited outdoor adventures with friends. For many of us, that means rushing to choose an outfit in the morning, throwing it on, and going about your day — often hurrying from one activity to another. Bossi Leisure, the newest establishment in the English Village retail scene, aims to make it easy, striving to keep you effortlessly stylish as you hustle through your busy schedule.

A women’s athleisure boutique, Bossi Leisure opened its doors in English Village earlier this month. An official grand opening celebration was held on May 11, but the concept has been in the works for quite some time. The shop’s co-owner, Allyson Mouron, took a fitness class during an annual girls’ trip to 30A about a year ago, and the space happened to be attached to a beautifully-curated athleisurewear boutique. “When I saw that boutique, I immediately thought, ‘Birmingham needs one of these so badly,’” Allyson explains. “So I came home, talked to my husband, and prayed about it.”

Allyson began to search for retail space, but like many potential new business owners, she got nervous and talked herself out of it. It wasn’t long before she was convinced that the shop was a must-have in her future. “I hosted a pop-up shop at my home with BOSSI, which has a brick-and-mortar [location] in Tuscaloosa,” Allyson explains. “It went so well. Seeing the local community support and enjoy the pop-up confirmed what I had been thinking. I knew I had to do it.”

Allyson reached out to the owner of BOSSI, Pasquale Tosyali, about opening up a location in Birmingham. And she had English Village in mind for her new retail hotspot. Though one location already existed in Tuscaloosa, it catered to more of a college crowd; Allyson had a different vision for her boutique. “I wanted the Birmingham location to fit in with the vibe and energy here — to be a little more elevated,” Allyson says. “There is such an energy and excitement in English Village. There are so many female business owners around here, so I thought the idea of Bossi Leisure fit in beautifully with what was already in the Village.”

Allyson and Pasquale collaborated and found their ideal English Village location at 2003 Cahaba Road. They turned to Elevate Construction to build out the shop and Mary Lauren of Mary McBride Interiors to help design a comfortable, inviting space. “From the beginning, I envisioned a space where people could come in and feel comfortable, both with the general design and feel [of the store], and with what they are wearing,” Allyson adds.

When it came to the Bossi Leisure retail line, Allyson carefully curated it to reflect unique offerings — she didn’t want her product to overlap with other local boutiques. Honing in on the shop’s tagline, “effortlessly on the go,” Allyson also sought to bring in comfortable, uncomplicated brands that keep style at the forefront. “As I’ve researched lines to bring in, it has been really important for me to stay true to who we are and stay in our lane,” she says. “That meant activewear and leisurewear — great items that can take you from barre or a tennis match to lunch. Outfits that carry you through your whole day.”

To start, Allyson planned to carry Bossi’s signature line, BOSSI, which boasts comfort, quality, and a great price point. Additionally, she rounded out her boutique offerings with other lines such as Alo, Strut This, Spiritual Gangster, MABE, Solid and Striped, IVL Collective, Stateside, 9seed, and Leallo. And that’s just for women. Bossi Leisure also offers clothing for younger girls who want comfort without forgoing style. She offers brands like SET, Suburban Riot, Spiritual Gangster, and Free People Movement. “It’s a thoughtful mix for females of any age at a great price point,” Allyson adds. “We’ve also made sure to keep favorite trends in mind as we select each and every item.” Those trends, Allyson says, will continue to include pieces that showcase color and texture, as well as high-waisted leggings and crop tops. “We’re expecting these trends to stay around,” she says, “and we will also have layers to throw on, on top of that look.”

Outside of quality brands at reasonable prices, Allyson strives to meet her customers’ needs. “I want people to feel encouraged, supported, and loved when they come to Bossi Leisure,” she says. To assist in that vision, Allyson has already planned for various pop-ups and book talks that will touch on important topics. In June, the shop will host a pop-up with the CEO of Tailored Sportswear, Laura Willoughby. In August, author Kari Kampakis is stopping by to talk to moms about grace and love. “Our concept goes well beyond just clothing,” Allyson says. “For us, it’s about working together, encouraging each other, promoting one another, and creating a place for people to do life together.” And, of course, to do it all comfortably and stylishly — especially when on the go!

All photography courtesy of Mountain Brook Chamber.

**********

Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves. Subscribe to our daily emails!