It's that time of year where graduation is in full swing! Rylee is the newest addition to our CFB team, but in a short amount of time, she has proved her worth in her wonderful work ethic and her ability to adapt to any situation we throw her in with a smile. Rylee works as a sales associate and cashier, but has filled in several times as a model and killed it! She is intuitive and works hard to fill any need that may arise. She is a rare find, and we are honored and thrilled to have her kind smile and sunny disposition at Cage-Free Boutique! The past couple of years have definitely been a trying time for any student, but to persevere in the face of adversity has prepared these kids to succeed no matter what obstacles they may face. I asked Rylee to share with us her feelings on her first big step into adulthood, and this is what she had to say:  It’s fun to hate something you’ll miss when it’s gone, and that something is my high school experience. I’m Rylee Sweat, and I’m a senior at Stephens County High School. I am a varsity cheerleader, an honor student, and I work part-time with Cage-Free Boutique. The past four years have been one of my favorite journeys, and I’ve learned so much about the world, myself, and all that life has to offer.  I’ve been waiting for graduation day for as long as I can remember, thinking that the world would surely end before the year 2022. As I obviously progress, it is now May 2022, and I wish nothing more than for time to stand still. “Big-girl” life is intimidating, even after anticipation and preparation. I was told throughout high school that they were working to prepare me for life outside of my small hometown, but I truly believe that it was life outside of school that shaped me into preparing for this new chapter.  Working at Cage-Free Boutique brought me a much deeper sense of life outside of school assignments and study-crunching. I’ve learned that small talk is more than a hello and goodbye, and a simple smile can change someone’s day. But most importantly I’ve learned to become a creative and determined person. The ladies at Cage-Free are a true image of how powerful and brilliant women can be, and I’ve gained a great amount of courage working here.  With this, I’m ready to step headfirst into the “big-girl” world, grasping everything that I’ve learned the past four years.  Graduation is scary and exciting because it signals the transition from adolescence to adulthood. And that first big step can be daunting, but we hope you remember to be confident in how amazing you are and how radiantly beautiful  your personality is to others. As you turn a new chapter in your life and enter the large, diverse world, there is only one "you" and no matter where you end up, share your sparkle with world, and life will never be dull. Rylee, you are a joy to be around, and we know that you will succeed at anything you try! Congratulations on entering the "Big-Girl" world, and where we may sad to see you leave us, we can't wait to see where you go! It has been an honor and pleasure to know you, sweet girl! The world is yours to conquer!  

If you've ever walked into our store or checked out our social media, then you have seen our sweet Rissa! At CFB, she wears many hats: sales associate, model, cashier, and now, she has upgraded to our new Floor Manager! She is there to help with any problems that may arise as well as guide our other ladies in merchandising and customer service. Also, she helps with our social media marketing and in-store display design. Rissa has been an invaluable asset to our CFB team, and we are so privileged to have her smiling face, her drive and ambition, and her witty personality. She is truly a joy to work alongside, and we know you're going to love her, too!    So let's get to know Rissa McDonald:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cage-free Boutique (@cage_free_boutique)   Rissa grew up in Rabun County and spent a good bit of her childhood with her grandparents, Candy and Randy McDonald. Her nickname is "Roo," which has stuck with her since she was a little girl, and she is the oldest of her half-siblings; she has a half-brother and a half-sister. When Rissa is not at Cage-Free, then you can find her outside, especially during the summer; she loves anything to do with the outdoors and being near the water. Growing up in Rabun, she feels she's "been blessed to experience all its nature." She also enjoys curling up with a good book about mystery or suspense.   When she is at CFB, she is working open to close on the sales floor, assisting customers, merchandising and displaying products, or working with our marketing team to keep our social media fresh and up-to-date. Her favorite part of working at CFB is helping with the order of new styles and helping prepare the new collections for launches each week, and even though "it's a lot of hard work and preparation," she "can't help but get excited to get it all on the floor for everyone to see and shop." Right now, her favorite CFB brand is S'Edge because "they always have the best color schemes and the best summer styles."   Rissa was drawn to CFB for the "welcoming and friendly atmosphere," and how we "focus on a customer's happiness and the relationship- NOT just sales- and you don't see that everywhere!" Since working here, she feels like she has "gained an overall self-confidence" because of CFB's "beyond supportive staff" and "non-stop lifting each other up as well as our customers." In the future, Rissa hopes to continue working in fashion retail.   -We hope so, too! Because you're doing an amazing job! Congratulations on your rise in ranks here at CFB! We are so fortunate to have you on our team, and we are blessed to just know you... Because you truly are a blessing! 

Super MomBy Joanna Fuchs Mom, you're a wonderful mother,So gentle, yet so strong.The many ways you show you careAlways make me feel I belong.You're patient when I'm foolish;You give guidance when I ask;It seems you can do most anything;You're the master of every task.You're a dependable source of comfort;You're my cushion when I fall.You help in times of trouble;You support me whenever I call.I love you more than you know;You have my total respect.If I had my choice of mothers,You'd be the one I'd select! Moms are the reason that any of us are alive, but like... for real.  They do so much for us and revel in the payment of a hug. They wreck their bodies to give us life. They trade sleep for late night feedings that eventually turn to worry as babies become teens. They trade in all their "pretty things" for a life of "comfort clothes" so that they dress us in the best (and still pay the bills). They spend their evenings criss-crossing the whole county to make sure we are at practice/meetings/games/  playdates. When someone calls to say they're dropping by, they have the ability to wash dishes, vacuum the living room, and dust while fixing their hair and wiping food off of everyone's faces. They can heal a wound with a smile and kiss and chase away all the bad dreams with a reassuring hug. They slave in the kitchen, coming up with three meals a day for 18+ years, all while fielding the question, "What's for dinner?" everyday! They suffer from multiple tiny heart attacks at any time we put ourselves in any kind of risk-taking adventure. They have the innate ability to know where everything is in the entire house and when it needs to be replaced/refilled. They know that slammed doors and hateful words shouted in anger are a sign that they are doing something right. They believe in us when it feels like the whole world is against you and remind us that we are loved and enough. To say Moms are superheroes is an understatement to what these women endure on a daily basis.  My superhero (mom) is Shannon Fountain. She was a teen mom, trying to figure it all out while getting her cosmetology degree. She started out doing hair in a salon with friends, but hard times forced her to get another job. She never gave up on her dream, perming hair in our kitchen while making dinner for us. Eventually, perseverance paid off, and she got her own salon, Expectations, with hair dressers working for her (all while going through a divorce with moody teens in tow). Years of working with the public, she has built up a loyal clientele. (And, believe me, made it hard for this girl to get away with anything in this town). Her love of her clients made her re-evaluate her location (on the second floor when many of her patrons are older and disabled), and she moved to Mountain City to a more accessible place with ample front-row parking and no stairs. She took in a young intern fresh out of cosmetology school and showed her all the tips and tricks of running a salon. Now, Laura is celebrating 10 years of her salon opening, giving credit to my mom for helping in her success. Many of us know our moms are superheroes, but when other people think it too.... just validates what you already knew! You are blessed with best! 

 Earth Day is this Friday, April 22! On behalf of Mother Nature, I'd like to discuss the environmental impact of three of our major brands we carry at Cage-Free.    Sorel  "We build it, wear it, and live it ourselves." In 2020, Sorel completed their 3rd year of disclosing greenhouse gas emissions are committed to reducing their manufacturing emissions by 30% to reach the 2030 climate target.  In 2021,  84% of all SOREL styles included at least one eco-conscious element; two key elements are leather from an LWG-certified tanneryand PFC-free waterproof finishes. (LWG= Leather Working Group, a non-profit organization responsible for the world’s leading environmental certification for the leather manufacturing industry). Proudly, they do not use real fur or down in any of their products, and starting this Spring, they will be introducing vegan sneakers. As part of the Responsible Packaging Initiative, Sorel pledges to use no plastics in their packaging as well as only using 100% recycled material for their shoe boxes.  Their biggest strength is in their design of quality and longevity- making shoes have an extended life reduces the environmental impact! Their shoes have always been functional, efficient and equipped with useful tricks that support the consumer's daily life. Sorel know how to make an excellent product, inside and out! Kut from the Kloth   "From sourcing and design to manufacturing and shipping, we aim to preserve all of the Earth's precious resources." -Kut from the Kloth The safekeeping of the environment is important to Kut from the Kloth, and for them, sustainable fashion isn't just a trend- it's a calling! Kut is on a simple but substantial mission- to grow their "clean, premium denim production." Recently, they have upgraded some of their styles to be Earth-friendly by using recycled materials like water bottles. By integrating this practice in, Kut is helping to improve air quality, clear landfills, conserve energy, and save water. Also, they utilize eflow technology, which uses air from the atmosphere thus reducing water, products and energy. They eliminate toxic design processes by working with advanced machinery and reproducing ozone gas conditions, giving their garments the classic, vintage look. These endeavors are just the beginning of their long-term plan of optimizing their ecological impact in all areas of business.     Gigi Pip Hats   "Creating 'ethically made' products are not only a goal of Gigi Pip, but a standard by which we believe all businesses should operate."  Is your outfit even complete without a hat? Gigi Pip hats are made to last a lifetime and classically stylish to go with everything! Gigi Pip is very transparent with the materials that are used in each hat as well as the hand-picked sources of the hat's origins. Their materials are obtained globally like wool from Australia and straw from South America, and provide jobs for people in and out of the US. Gigi Pip believes in fair labor in all aspects of production by regularly checking on each factory and ensuring top quality not only for their products, but for their employees too!           

With National Women's month behind us and the Clayton Cafe re-opening, it only seemed fitting to make Bonnie Edmonds our Local Lady Icon. If you ever eaten at the Clayton Cafe, then you have definitely met this warm and loving lady. The Clayton Cafe has been voted as the best restaurant by the readers of the Clayton Tribune along with awards in best fried chicken, best lunch, best dessert, best sandwich, and, unsurprisingly, best home cooking! Clayton Cafe has the atmosphere of home- the feeling of family, fellowship, and some damn fine food. You'll come for the food but keep coming back for the good service as you'll see Bonnie herself coming to check on you and your meal.  The next logical step was for Bonnie to release a cookbook, which she did this past year- "A Northern Cook in a Southern Kitchen." Also, she has acquired the Market, next door to the cafe, that serves coffee, treats, and trinkets. (Personal side note: I'm in love with the chocolate croissants and the macaroons).  To say that Bonnie is "busy" is an understatement, but thankfully, she managed to squeeze in some time to answer some questions from me.  Bonnie came to Rabun on business and feel in love with the area. She combined her "only two God-given talents"- people and food; re-vamped the original cafe into a beautiful, modern space; and quickly became a beloved figure on Main Street. She loves hearing how her food reminds people of "Grandma's cooking" and sharing stories.Making people happy is what motivates her from her customers and staff to her family and community. But know Bonnie puts in the work; she's up at 5 a.m. and the first to walk in the door and the last out at 10 p.m. Recently, Governor Kemp called her "a legend," and with all that she has accomplished thus far, it's easy to see why. While she inspires many, I asked her who inspires her? "Women-owned businesses are near and dear to my heart." (Us too, Bonnie) ❤️ And if you're thinking of starting a business, Bonnie has this advice to offer: "Patience. Perseverance. Prayers." Keep doing what you're doing because you're killing it, Bonnie!!

If you have ever been in Cage Free Boutique, then you know one of our favorite shoe brands is Sorel, where performance meets panache.  Sorel fuses expert craftsmanship and contemporary design to create footwear for all seasons. Founded in 1962 in Portland, Oregon, the company started with a premium boot is now a brand committed to both function and fashion, or as they like to say, "Creating powerful footwear for unstoppable individuals."  And how could you not love this brand? They're comfortable, real leather, and waterproof!! At Sorel, they understand that you can't always predict the weather, but you can control your preparedness for that surprise forecast. With essential elements like the seam-sealed waterproof technology, maximum traction, insulation, and other amazing features, your feet will definitely appreciate the support (hahaha!) And if you live in Rabun with the constant onslaught of surprise rain showers, then you're gonna love these shoes!     Ok, so you're hooked on Sorel... but what is this company's background? What do they STAND for? (hahaha! Pun-y) Here's a few of their "core beliefs" in this awesome business:  "We’re committed to investing in and supporting initiatives to make this world a better place – now and for future generations. We believe that individuals are our strongest asset and together, one step at a time, we’ll do our part in creating a more sustainable and accepting world for everyone." Well.... that's something you can get behind!  Also, they make "eco-considered choices" in production to minimize their impact on the environment. In everything Sorel makes, they consider how decisions today affect our environment tomorrow. This concept means "looking at design considerations across the full spectrum of a product’s life from the material choices, to the packaging it is shipped in and the resources and mechanisms used to create it, as well as the longevity of the product and what happens to the product at the end of its useful life." Who doesn't love the environment and want to help keep Mother Nature looking good?  Also, Sorel is a proud supporter of Self Enhancement, Inc (SEI), a Portland, Oregon charity in alliance with schools, families and other community organizations who guide and support underprivileged youth to realize their full potential. They donate their product to Dress for Success, a non-profit organization, in their mission of "empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life." Additionally, Sorel supports Project Lemonade, Two Ten and World Vision. Moreover, they match employee donations to non-profits on addressing racial and social justice.  Who doesn't love a company who gives back to the community and society?  And these are just a few of the reasons we adore Sorel! And we know you're gonna love them too! Be sure to check them out online, or you can always come into the store, we would love to help you find your perfect "sole"-mate! We have several pairs that are on sale, so it's the best time to "swing" on in! And while you're here, you might as well check out the new Sorel shoes that just arrived! If you're like me, you may end up leaving with a couple of pairs! You won't regret it! 

2021 is about to a distant memory in your rearview mirror as we head into 2022 with hopes of a better year. Many may set resolutions to become healthier, travel more or spend more time with family.  Most of you may toast champagne and kiss your special someone at midnight to ring in the New Year with love. Or maybe you stay up and watch the ball drop in Times Square in the comfort of your living room. Or maybe you're like me... and fall asleep waaayy before the stroke of midnight. (I'm old and never really understood the hype. For me, my "New Year" is my birthday, hence the reason I throw down for October. Haha!)  For me... it's all about the next day, January 1st, and getting that first traditional meal of the year. If you grew up in the South, then you know we like to welcome in the New Year with black-eyed peas, collard greens, pork and cornbread. (And maybe a shot of shine if you were old enough...) We greet the future with traditions steeped in the past. The old Southern adage of "Eat poor on New Year's and eat fat the rest of the year" still rings true for us. Each part representing good fortune and prosperity for the next year; collard greens and black-eyed peas denoting cash and coins, pork for moving forward (as pigs root forward), and cornbread symbolizes gold.    There are a few legends on how and why the black-eyed pea became the bean of good fortune: One theory is during Sherman's March to the Sea during the Civil War, he left behind the black-eyed peas, thinking it was feed for the animals and not for human consumption. The survivors were "lucky" to have any remaining food to get them through that cold winter. Another tale suggests that on January 1, 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was passed and the newly freed slaves ate black-eyed peas because it was all the food they had. According to this story, it's the reason why black-eyed peas have been consumed on every New Year's since then.    Whatever the reasoning behind it, for many, it means time spent with family  to celebrate the beginning of a new year and a new chapter.  And whether these foods bring any good luck into the next year, I'll do anything to ensure some good fortune... Plus it's pretty dang yummy!  What are your New Year's traditions? Comment below and let us know how you bring in the New Year. 

Christmas Eve is 7 days away, and Santa is going to need some cookies to get through the night. We asked our resident baker (Linda DeHart) for her preferred cookie recipe. She said that maybe Santa wants to break away from the traditional chocolate chip cookies and submitted her favorite Lemon Glaze Cookie recipe.  Lemon Glaze Cookies Ingredients 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 1 large egg 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Lemon Glaze (see recipe below)    Directions Step 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and lemon juice and beat until combined. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture. Step 2 Drop dough by heaping tablespoons, 1 inch apart, onto two baking sheets. Bake until edges are golden, 15 to 20 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Let cool 2 minutes on sheets, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Spread cookies with Lemon Glaze and let set, about 1 hour.   Lemon Glaze Recipe Ingredients 2 cups confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest, plus 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice   Directions Step 1 In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners' sugar and lemon zest and juice until smooth     If your Santa has a love of tart things, then he is going to love these lemon glazed cookies. Don't forget to leave out some milk! Merry Christmas!

I know my answer.... anything from Cage-Free Boutique!  Now that we are in full swing of the holiday season, it's easy to let the office Christmas party (or any of the many holiday soirees) slip your mind- only to remember last minute and you have nothing to wear! CFB has got you cover- literally! Hahah!  Here are few of our newest pieces from the Holiday Collection (Merry & Bright) to help make you look festive for all your upcoming events!  Acacia Tank Top / Totally Tulle Skirt  We love the contrast of fabrics in this outfit- the rich velvet and fun, plaid tulle. You'll definitely be living out all your sugarplum fairy fantasies in this festive 'fit!    Peppermint Love Dress / Cate Pull On Boot This red and white, long-sleeve dress is the perfect addition for your Holiday wear.  Just pair with black tights and a long coat for a completely sweet treat!   Olivia Mock Neck  / Sparkle of the Season Skirt Who needs a star on top of the tree when you wear this sparkly ensemble? Because you're gonna outshine everyone.. and everything!      Acacia Tank Top / Jungle Reflection Pants in Black and White Give Santa a run for his money with this sexy take on his suit! Adding the red velvet to the funky designs of these black and white pants really gives you a Holiday edge.      Ring My Bell Top / In The Faux Leggings You can really ring in the holiday cheer with this jolly, red top! But add a little rock and roll to your carols with these vegan leather leggings.   We are adding new pieces to the Merry & Bright Collection all the time, so make sure you check out the website! Or you can just stop by the store cause we would love to see your sweet face! Merry Christmas!!