Katie Jones laughs that she has always been known as the “blonde girl behind the counter” at Kate Lise Boutique on 405 Main St., having worked there since fall of 2012. But on April 1, the shop will be transformed into WhimSea Boutique and Jones will transition from store employee to small business owner.

“I loved working at Kate Alise and enjoyed helping customers select the perfect accessories to match their new outfit or spice up their existing wardrobe,” Jones said. “When the Kate Alise owners offered me the opportunity to purchase the store and stay connected with those customers, it was a dream come true!”

WhimSea, a play on the word whimsy, will continue to offer fun jewelry, colorful accessories, and fashion apparel at reasonable prices. “Our shop will carry a variety of styles and sizes, which will appeal to women of all ages,” said Jones, who was born and raised in Edmonds and is a 2006 graduate of Edmonds-Woodway High School. “I’ve been listening to what the shoppers have been looking for, so there will be some changes in the types of clothing that are offered.”

To celebrate the change in name and ownership, WhimSea Boutique will host a grand opening event on April 5, between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. All are invited to stop by and enjoy refreshments and enter the drawing for WhimSea gift certificates. You can also join the WhimSea email list and stay current on future events.

“I’m so grateful to be a starting a business in our supportive Edmonds community,” Jones said. “It’s like a huge family.”