This Creative City Story is made possible by a special collaboration with Paducah Life Magazine.
Erileigh Phelan, owner of Raven & Moth, has spread her wings and reopened her newly expanded boutique on Broadway in downtown Paducah. This specialty store is a mix of mystery and seasonal whimsy.
Sprinkled throughout the store you’ll find delightfully unexpected treasures like moss-covered birdhouses, richly colored beeswax tapers, perfume, copper sculptures, beautiful toys, as well as an array of clothing.
Bright and cozy with a historic backdrop, the new space lends itself to curiosity and discovery. Photo Credit: Raven & Moth
“Over the years, we’ve had different taglines, but we have recently settled on 'An eclectic shop for thoughtful people' because it really speaks to what we’re about,” shares Erileigh. “We’re not just a clothing boutique, a jewelry store, or a gift shop. We focus on offering sustainable, handmade, and fair-trade items mostly from small businesses. Our customers tend to be looking for thoughtful and unique gifts—items with meaning rather than generic products. This tagline feels like the perfect way to sum up what we do.”
Raven & Moth supports local artists like Shand Stamper by providing a brick-and-mortar retail space for their work. Photo Credit: Raven & Moth
Originally born out of a desire to combine her many passions into a business as she was moving back to Paducah from Nashville, Erileigh first set up shop in 2017. She and her mother, Mel, had co-owned a jewelry business together called Dweedlebeadles which became the store’s first product line, and Erileigh was also operating a small hair salon out of the space she rented in the historic Smedley Yeiser in Lowertown. It wasn’t long before they were looking to expand and moved downtown to 3rd and Broadway in 2020. After several years of great success, it became clear that it was time again for the business to bloom and grow.
A stroke of luck and a friendly connection with the landlady led Erileigh and Mel to rent the bright, airy space they now occupy, and the shop has doubled in size. The unique character of the building with its exposed brick wall and antique lighting is the perfect backdrop for their collection. Now the creative mother-daughter are bursting with inspiration when it comes to all the ways they can enjoy and share their new space. “It’s still a work in progress, and we’re so excited about how much more room we have to decorate and bring our vision to life. I want the walls filled with the art we sell and flowers to make it feel cozy and lived-in, like a space people want to hang out in.”
Erileigh and Mel
With its expanded space and fresh energy, Raven & Moth is set to be even more of a lively locale in downtown Paducah. Erileigh and Mel’s passion for offering a unique shopping experience is evident in every corner of their revamped shop, and their plans for community events will undoubtedly make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. As the shop grows, it continues to honor its roots of thoughtfulness, creativity, and connection, making it a true reflection of the eclectic spirit of Paducah.
For more creative boutiques and local treasures, check out our Interactive Shopping Guide.
