By MELANIE PILTINGSRUD
Copy Editor
Gwen Reiss recently received a 2023 Preservation Award from the Steele County Historical Society for her efforts in preserving the historic former bank building at 202 5th Ave. W. in Ellendale when she opened Two Doves Boutique in March 2020. Nestled among artistic lighting, high-end fashions, and lavish displays are features original to the bank: a painting on the old vault door that Reiss lacquered to ensure it wasn't harmed, a vintage desk from the same vault that Reiss painted in a sassy black and revitalized as a backdrop to an array of cosmetics, and a set of shelves that now tempts visitors with glitzy jewelry and purses.
Reiss said it was her husband, Ed, who suggested she open a boutique. He also coined the name: Two Doves. Reiss had at one time operated a tea shop in Albert Lea, which she ultimately decided to close. Although people loved the tea shop and its well-known events, the location wasn't ideal. “It ended on a high note,” said Reiss, “and that's always good.” Reiss, too, had enjoyed the tea shop, so when her husband suggested a boutique, Reiss decided to take advantage of the dearth of clothing stores in the area.
It was a big undertaking. The vault alone required 38 cans of spray paint to turn it into the golden bower that it is now.
Ever the innovator, Reiss took the banking idea to the floor and created a penny threshold that visitors step across when they enter the former vault. Then she vowed she would never do it again. In spite of space heaters, the winter weather chilled the concrete, so it didn't want to cooperate. “The poly […] bubbled up on me because the floor was cold,” said Reiss. Nonetheless, the results make an impressive entrance to the golden room.
When Reiss was on the verge of opening the shop, she was approached by representatives from Joseph Ribkoff, a Canadian fashion company, who asked her to carry their line of high-end clothing. “They pick you,” Reiss emphasized concerning the exclusive company.
In the process of ordering from Joseph Ribkoff and other companies, Reiss learned what people like – “casual but yet dressy.” Then she started adding purses, jewelry, and other products.
Reiss' good taste, instincts, and business acumen have paid off. Two Doves Boutique has become a destination spot for people in the mood for a glamorous shopping experience, where they can spoil themselves as well as their family and friends – all in a former bank that glitters now more than ever.
Reiss hosts two fashion shows a year, where people can come to see the latest trends and what the shop has to offer, as well as partake of wine and delicious hors d'oeuvres. The last one was held in the showy garden complete with water fountain that Reiss recently designed in the empty lot beside Two Doves. If you missed the last event, don't fret; there's another coming up on the evening of October 12. See you there!