Displaying a new passion

When Melanie Litz first started accompanying her son on walks around Missouri Baptist Medical Center more than a decade ago, the Ballas Boutique was just a place to turn around.

Her son was recovering from an appendectomy and needed to stretch his legs. The gift shop seemed like a good halfway point. Looking back now, maybe that route wasn’t so random.

Melanie is quick to admit she’s not one to walk by an inviting store without entering.

“I love a shop of any kind!” Melanie, 66, said with a laugh.

Fortunately, Melanie’s son soon healed and headed home.

And fortunately for Melanie and the Ballas Boutique, Melanie walked into a new passion. The retired teacher and mother of three realized she didn’t just love to shop. She found out she can really help a shop.

From staging eye-catching store displays that lift visitors’ spirits to guiding uncertain shoppers toward the perfect purchases for their loved ones, Melanie’s touch has helped shape the store’s aesthetic for more than 10 years.

“I love it,” she said. “I really missed my calling. I wish I would have done it when I came out of college. I love the people I work with. It’s a great situation. And people enjoy what I do, and that makes me feel really good.”

Melanie especially enjoys when hospital employees stop in for some quick retail therapy. One, she can relate. And two, it means the Ballas Boutique is still selling the same positive energy that first pulled her inside.

“It’s a little respite,” she said. “Everybody is kind of in a happier space when they are in there.”

If you have questions about volunteering at the Ballas Boutique, please contact store manager Laurie Childers by phone 314-996-5144 or email. If you are interested in volunteering at the Ballas Boutique, please start by completing a volunteer application here.