About Us

 
Shop With Your Heart on Your Sleeve
As with many of life’s “Ah-Ha” moments, Humanité Boutique was born out of a return to place.  After early stops in Charleston, SC and Atlanta, Humanité founder, Erin Smith, and her husband, Chad, were ready to begin a new life chapter.  Seeking stronger family connections and the superior quality of life they had enjoyed as children, the couple heeded the call of the beautiful North Carolina mountains and their shared hometown of Bryson City.
During the transition from big city to small town, Smith embarked on a life-changing humanitarian aid mission with the organization, Heart for Africa.  She was stationed in the kingdom of Swaziland, a small land-locked monarchy located in Southern Africa.  The hands on service experience was formative, and key in helping Smith determine her new path at home. 
Back in Bryson City, Smith tapped her inner entrepreneur.  She recognized the growth potential of the area and identified a need for accessible fashion outside of large cities such as Charlotte and Raleigh.  Smith’s vision, her lifelong love of fashion and drive to create a giving back business came together when she opened the doors of Humanité Boutique in 2010.
Today, Humanité serves a booming market of locals and Western NC visitors along with the students of nearby Western Carolina University (WCU) - Smith’s Alma Mater.  Smith and her staff scout and source on-trend clothing, shoes and accessories, with most pieces affordably priced at under $100.  “We have a fabulous client base and really cater to these women, often shopping at market with their individual styles and sizes in mind,” she says.  “Unmistakably Southern, we really love to make connections across generations, offering looks for grandmothers as well as their teenaged granddaughters.” 
Following through on her giving back mission, 10 percent of Humanité’s sales are donated to Heart for Africa and other global and local charities.  As Smith explains, “Humanité customers shop with their hearts on their sleeves.”  One of Humanité’s most popular outreach programs is “Shop with a Purpose” where local groups can gather for wine and cheese and shop to raise funds for a favorite cause.  “These events are very popular,” says Smith.  “They offer a chance for fellowship and fun – all while doing good in the community.”
With the success of her Bryson City store, Smith responded to the demand of shoppers from other parts of the country. Humanité launched its online shopping site in 2016, furthering its message of fabulous fashion with compassion to women across the United States.

Come Say Hello!
 
Downtown Bryson City
130 Everett St, Bryson City, NC 28713

Facebook @shophumanite
Instagram  @humaniteboutique