When Monica Berry opened her business’s first location at the Iowa River Landing in Coralville, she decided to name it in honor of her Guatemalan mother. CIELO, a women’s clothing boutique and gift shop, has now opened its second location in downtown Iowa City.
“Cielo” means “heaven” in Spanish and the boutique specializes in “heavenly” goods: soft clothing, sassy gifts, luxury blankets and candles, and self-care products.
The new location, 125 S. Dubuque Street, officially opened its doors to the public in mid-November and took over the space that was previously occupied by Basic Goods.
Ms. Berry worked with Basic Goods owner, Simeon Talley, to acquire the space after he closed the store. CIELO is now a part of the pedestrian mall.
Customers can walk in to either location and experience CIELO’s signature services such as everlasting jewelry, also known as permanent jewelry, and hair extensions using tinsel and feathers.
Ms. Berry started the CIELO brand in 2001 when she was in New York City and taught herself to sew. In 2015, she was able to become sober from alcohol, and immediately began designing and manufacturing apparel and her Moon Warmer line, and sold them at local markets from 2016 – 2021. She operated a wholesale business and sold her products to shops all over the United States and Canada. In 2021, she opened her first storefront location in the Iowa River Landing district.
“This is the eighth year of my company, which I built from a handmade business back in 2015. CIELO’s mission is to add some magic and comfort to the community. We are thrilled to give our customers another whimsical CIELO location to enjoy, and to join the many fabulous woman-owned boutiques in Iowa City,” said Ms. Berry.
CIELO’s second location was a recipient of the Iowa City Downtown District’s $15,000 space build-out grant for newly signed retail leases. The retail grant provides the opportunity to fill current vacancies, give financial support to new merchants, and preserve spaces that will contribute to downtown’s retail community, according to a news release.
“The Iowa City Downtown District has had the grant for the last 3 years. This year, Monica’s new shop CIELO has been our first grant recipient. The program is wonderful to help assist new businesses interested in locating in downtown Iowa City. I am extremely excited to see what she does with space,” said Betsy Potter, executive director of the Iowa City Downtown District.
The Iowa City Downtown District offers $15,000 in build-out grants for eligible soft goods retailers. The grant is part of a larger retail attraction program and strategy.
“Retail attraction and retention is always a priority of the Iowa City Downtown District. We’re constantly looking for retail concepts that align with downtown’s retail strategy. We’re happy to talk with anyone interested in finding a space,” said Ms. Potter, in the release.
