Story and photos by Jackie Nunnery –
Like the name suggests, when you walk into Cathy’s Unique Pursuits, you’re likely to find clothing and accessories that you won’t find anywhere else.
For owner and accessory designer Cathy Hemans, that is the plan.
“I wanted to highlight fashion forward pieces that stand out. I also wanted to carry lines you won’t find in other stores around here,” said Hemans.
Designer Oscar de la Renta once said that “a woman makes an outfit her own with accessories,” so in addition to comfortable, stylish apparel, Cathy’s also carries accessories—from scarves and hats to jewelry and handbags—to complete the look.
Hemans gives her husband credit for the idea of opening the store at 51 Main Street in Kilmarnock. Having sewn all her life, she had been busy making handbags, purses and totes out of her home when her husband suggested she open a store.
“I think he just wanted the 200 bags out of the house,” Hemans said with a laugh.
Regardless of his motives, Hemans listened to him and first opened the shop in 2013 at an Irvington Road location. Cathy’s Unique Pursuits later moved to a storefront by Town Centre Park, but Hemans said she loves the increased foot traffic at the Main Street site she has called home for a little over a year.
Hemans continues to create the handbags that started it all. Her distinctive purses and totes, often inspired by customer ideas or fabrics she has found, are of all shapes, sizes and styles.
She also has worked with another artist, Kim Abe, to create hand painted fabrics for scarves and sarongs—and of course, handbags. One of her favorites is an oyster print that she has used to make a small clutch purse with an actual oyster shell adorning it.
In addition to collaborating with artists, Hemans carries the work of jewelry artists she finds at accessory shows. Ken Attkisson’s and John Michael Richardson’s lines of jewelry both feature nature-inspired designs with a coastal feel that is popular with local clientele and vacationers to the area.
Cathy’s Unique Pursuits is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
