A local business celebrated their change of ownership and transformation with the Panora Chamber of Commerce Friday.

The boutique located at 130 West Main Street, formerly known as The Funky Zebras, was reopened as Fashions on 44 last March, with one of the previous owners Dee Eckley joining with newcomers Valerie Kuehl and Julie Wykoff. Though the store has been a member of the Panora Chamber, Chamber members welcomed the three owners with a new plaque to celebrate the business’ evolution. The store has kept several of the same clothing brands from before as well as some new additions and expanded sizes. Kuehl and Wykoff have previously had many years of working in retail together, and Wykoff shares what she loves about being a proprietor, “This is going to sound funny, but the thing I enjoy the most is when we get the right outfit on someone and they’re so excited. You know we had a lady last Saturday that was getting ready for a wedding, and when the right thing happened. I mean it really, that’s the most enjoyable thing for me, and knowing that those things turn into moments in their life that are important to them and everything.”

Shopping is also available online at fashionson44.com, and there’s a new reward system for those who visit the store. This was the second welcoming event for the Panora Chamber this week.