Fabric study leads to Culler boutique

ASHEBORO — Gaby Culler is using her studies in textiles to operate her new boutique in Asheboro.

She opened Pretty in Culler on Nov. 16 at the location of the former Nella Boutique at 130 S. Church St., Suite 1B, next to Positano and across from the Asheboro Farmers Market.

Just 23 years old, Culler graduated in May from the NC State University Wilson School of Textiles.

“I’ve always wanted my own online clothing boutique and started it in August,” she said on Nov. 26. Then friends told her that the Church Street location was opening up and she decided to augment her online business with a brick-and-mortar store.

A resident of High Point, Culler’s interest in style probably comes from her parents. Her mother, Nicole Culler, owns an interior design business called House of Culler. Her father is in the furniture business.

So when it came time to decorate her new store, Culler let her mom have her way on the interior of the former textile mill, with its brick walls and large south-facing windows. Nicole Culler even set up and decorated the Christmas tree.

Gaby Culler also had an iron horse head hung from the wall in honor of her own horse, William. There are two fitting rooms and mirrors galore. Culler said her mother called it the “House of Mirrors.”

“I love it,” she said of her shop. “It has so much character.

“I love my location. I feel good about being off to the side. And I love the industrial feel” of the building.

Being an “outsider,” Culler is getting to know her neighbors, such as Positano and The Table across the street. She has also met Lori Trotter, who owns Upstyled Goods next door.

“My family has a long history of furniture and textiles,” Culler said. “I love fashion and I love textiles. Fabrics have different properties. The school teaches a lot about how fabrics are made and to know what you’re wearing.”

She said she’s learned that fast fashions — made to keep up with trends — are not sustainable. On the other hand, denim and leather will last.

“I would call my boutique’s style casually sophisticated and effortlessly feminine,” Culler said. “I curate pieces that can be worn season after season.” 

Her merchandise includes women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, shoes, candles and home accents. She plans to add to her stock in the coming weeks.

When she needs help, her mother and sister, Lulu, assist her. Lulu and Gaby also model the styles on the website, prettyinculler.com.

Culler said her online sales have been pretty consistent and the store has done well. She said she believes retail is on the upswing.

“I took a history of designers class,” she said of her time at NC State. When asked who her favorite designer is, Culler said, “Although I love Coco Chanel, I'd have to say Mary Quant, a designer from the ’60s, known for her bold, colorful prints and the creation of the mini-skirt, would have to be my favorite.”

Pretty in Culler is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.