Ellis Davis and Rebecca Eriksson
MONGOOSE JUNCTION — The Fabric Mill is developing a bit of a Scandinavian accent.
Rebecca Eriksson and Ellis Davis recently bought the long-time Mongoose Junction women’s fashion boutique, which first opened its doors in 1982.
Eriksson is originally from Sweden and Davis is a California native. The couple met while working on a cruise ship and fell in love with St. John during a shore-side excursion. For the past few years, Eriksson and Davis have been living in the states while dreaming of returning to the Caribbean.
“After we left the ship, we moved to California where I was studying fashion and business,” said Eriksson. “I felt I needed to run my own business so I started looking around and found this opportunity for the Fabric Mill. It was perfect.”
The couple visited the island in April and officially took over the business in September, with Davis arriving first to get things started.
“It was nice to learn things before season really kicked in,” he said. “It gave me an opportunity to meet the local, long-time Fabric Mill customers.”
Eriksson joined her fiance on St. John in late November and after a few days was already feeling right at home, she explained.
“I’ve met so many people and I’ve only been here four days,” said Eriksson. “Everyone has been so nice to me.”
In addition to the clothing lines beloved by loyal Fabric Mill customers like Three Dots and Ella Moss, Eriksson and Davis are adding two new Scandinavian-based lines to their shelves.
The Panos Emporio line includes a range of clothing from the classically elegant, including pieces perfect for upcoming holiday parties, to perfectly casual outfits for every day island life. This spring, Fabric Mill be carrying the Swedish-based nautical line Boomerang.
Eriksson is also overseeing Fabric Mill’s website, www.fabricmillstj.com and Facebook page and Instagram accounts. Check the store out on social media for up-to-date information on sales and events.
Fabric Mill is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information call the store at (340) 776-6194.
