Traveling the world is a luxury for many, but Betty and Bill Hays managed to turn their travels into a business just over 50 years ago.
When Betty and Bill Hays visited Mexico in 1955, they were intrigued with the culture so much that they drove back to the states with a station wagon full of merchandise and opened a business. The business, created more than 50 years ago, is The Phoenix in Georgetown.
"My husband's parents came up with the greatest idea," said Sharon Hays, co-owner of The Phoenix boutique. "This idea would affect our family, now for three generations." Since its opening, The Phoenix has thrilled Washingtonians with the presentation of fine Mexican art. The store differs from the surrounding shops because the Georgetown shopping area has an abundance of trendy clothing stores. The Phoenix also differs from other stores because of its setup. Many people who have visited compare the boutique to an "upscale flea market." "You can find everything in here," said Marie Elizabeth Gumbani, one of the store's patrons. "I've done [much] of my holiday shopping in here." The Phoenix adds an assortment of flavor to the conservative shopping area. The boutique sells a variety of Mexican folk art such as paintings, sculptures, furniture, books, carpets, home décor and silver and gold jewelry, and now extends their assortment to women's clothing. Some of the clothing brands sold in the boutique are Eileen Fisher, Flax and Isda & Co. "The three months I've been working here, I've bought so much," said Lauren Potter, an employee of The Phoenix. "It's like traveling to Mexico without going. I love the jewelry. I am so into silver, and we have a great selection of silver. I am not too much out of school, so there is a variety for young and old." In 2007, three generations from the opening of the store, John Hays, the son of Betty and Billy Hays, his wife Sharon and their daughter Samantha continue to travel to Mexico twice a year to supply the boutique's merchandise. Sharon Hays is very proud of her family's business. "I came into the business 30 years ago," she said. "I loved the fact that my husband and I were able to bring our vacation back home with us. Who would've known? We are very excited that our daughter, Samantha, [became] a partner in the family business. We just hope that this boutique will be able to continue to make our clients happy now and generations from now."
