FAIRFIELD — The downtown retail space at 117 E. Burlington Ave. in Fairfield has not been occupied since the Chinese restaurant there closed its doors over a decade ago.

That changed in 2023 with the opening of a new business at that location called Scarlett & Co + Events. The business is owned by Kassie Laux, and it offers a wide variety of merchandise from home décor, clothing, beauty products, candles and permanent jewelry. Laux has established a relationship with several vendors in the area, each of whom sell their wares on their own dedicated shelves within the store.

As its name suggests, the business is also open to hosting private events. In the few months it has been opened, the business has hosted a book club, bachelorette party, a bridal shower and a birthday party for an 8-year-old. It’s a perfect place to hold parties not just because of its size but because of the fun things to do. For instance, visitors can make their own candles on site, and the permanent jewelry (such as a bracelet that is welded shut while a person is wearing it) is created right there on the spot.

Laux acquired the space in December 2022, and just two months later was ready to open her store. She said the building was in good condition already, and that she only had to replace the floor and touch up the walls with new paint and new shelves.

Before opening Scarlett & Co, Laux did bookkeeping at her family business in town, Iowa Tire Sales. She wanted to try something new, and particularly something that would allow her to express her creativity.

“I had a vision in my head, and this is what it is,” Laux said. “I’m a creative person, and I wanted to get that back in my life.

One thing that Laux has been stressing since she opened Scarlett & Co is the importance of local business collaborating. She’s done one with Willow & Bright. She’s planning other collaborations with Moxi Fitness on women’s empowerment, and one with Revive Entertainment LLC.

“My No. 1 rule is collaboration over competition,” Laux said. “You want people to come to the town, so you need more than one thing.”

Some of the vendors you’ll find at Scarlett & Co include Helen Drish, who does hydrafacials in the back of the shop; Angie Garrison and her line of home décor selections called On Point Design; Amber Copeland and her line called Crafty Things that includes personalized hats. Maddie Stable was recently hired as the business’s new manager, and she will start selling her own clothing line in the store.