Nestled in the heart of Venice’s historic downtown, Scarlet Macaw Boutique has been a fashion staple since 1993. The boutique, as colorful and unique as its namesake bird, offers hand-painted sweaters and shirts, along with name-brand fashions, jewelry, and accessories.
Simone Killoren, the current owner and one of the artists behind Scarlet Macaw’s distinctive art wear, moved to Venice in 2015 from South Carolina. Initially, she joined the boutique to assist her aunt, Peg Matsko, who was nearing retirement.
"My aunt asked if I wanted to run the boutique. She thought I’d be good at it," Simone recalled. After a successful trial period and overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she took over the shop in April 2021.
Killoren’s background is diverse; she studied communications, worked in freight forwarding, and pursued a master’s degree in elementary education. At Scarlet Macaw, she discovered her talent for sourcing fashion that is distinctive, attractive, and comfortable.
One unique aspect of Scarlet Macaw is its hand-painted sweaters and shirts. "We have three artists who paint for us, including myself," said Simone. "All three have very distinctive styles, and Aunt Peg enjoys contributing her creative flair whenever she can."
Inspiration for their designs comes from the world around them. "We have sweaters with dogs, bird of paradise, dragonflies, anchors, and more. These bright and unique designs, exclusive to Scarlet Macaw, are a big draw for both locals and visitors."
Furthermore, Scarlet Macaw is renowned for providing exceptional customer service. “We treat every customer with respect and excitement and truly look forward to helping people look great,” said Simone. The staff’s in-depth knowledge of the store’s inventory helps customers find pieces that fit well and flatter their individual styles.
The shop’s location in Venice’s historic downtown is a source of pride for Killoren. “We get to spend time with so many different types of people. We enjoy helping visitors who stop by as much as we form relationships with people we’ve seen regularly over the years. It is a beautiful downtown area, and we are really proud and honored to be here!”
Scarlet Macaw also supports the local community through charitable efforts. “Any item in our store with dogs or cats, we donate 10 percent of the sale price to the Humane Society of SRQ. Similarly, with sea life, 10 percent goes to Mote Marine,” noted Simone.
As Scarlet Macaw continues to thrive, Killoren ensures the boutique stays true to its roots while also evolving with the times. She has added younger lines to attract a broader audience while maintaining the classic appeal that long-time customers love. The boutique’s inclusive size range, from XS to 3X, ensures that everyone can find something stylish and comfortable.
With an eye on future trends, Simone mentioned that lavender, lilac, and purple will be significant colors for the upcoming season. “We’re not overly trendy; we try to have things you can wear all the time. They will not be going out of style,” she emphasized.