Andrew Thorp, Nicole Thorp and Antonio Minnifield

What is it? Happi is a men's and women's clothing boutique, located next to Dave's Pizza in downtown Homewood.

History: Happi opened early in October 2007, but it was an idea in the making for years. Both men have a background in the entertainment business; Minnifield is an owner of Amani Raha, and Thorp works as a DJ at various venues around town. Every time their paths crossed, they commented on each other's clothes. "Nice sweatshirt. Nice slacks." The things they wore were always purchased out of town-Atlanta, Miami, New York. They began discussing opening their own shoe store two or three years ago, and the idea eventually evolved into Happi.

Reuse, reduce, recycle: The Thorps and Minnifield aim to bring in as many fair trade, child-labor free and organic products as possible. Andrew Thorp says that's the way the industry is moving, and it also fits the store's aesthetic. Happi is built around recycled material. Wooden panels on the walls were salvaged, clothing racks are made of waste rebar, glass shelves are old windows, tables are made of doors and the cashier's counter was a 1930s church pulpit. They also use low-voltage lighting and rely more on natural light. "It is a bit unorthodox, but that's us," Minnifield says.

What makes it unique? A boutique that carries both men's and women's lines is unusual, but that's not all that sets Happi apart. The store offers several brands that aren't available anywhere else in Alabama. They've also been meeting with smaller designers who have experience with bigger companies, which allows the guys to bring in clothing more specific to their clientele. "The designers will be like, 'What do the guys like in Birmingham? What do the girls like in Birmingham?,'" Thorp explains. "They're listening to us. They want to work with us."

A day in the life: "It seems like Homewood is dependent on the weather," Thorp explains. Dreary days result in dead streets, but sunny weather doesn't guarantee a busy shop. People will be walking through town, but they may not be in the mood for clothes. The Thorps and Minnifield stay hectic regardless-all three have outside jobs.

Staff size: The three owners share duties at the shop, and all participate in the buying. "It's a collective," Thorp says. Silent partner Camilla Barungi, a New York-based model who appeared in season three of Project Runway, offers insight into what's happening in New York and helps connect the owners with designers.

What's ahead: "For me, it's all about creating new flavors. I want to give people what they're not getting in the department stores," Thorp says. They're trying to develop a two-way relationship with their clientele; if a customer is looking for something in particular, Happi's owners help him out. They have also picked up items with specific customers in mind, and intend to continue developing similar relationships.

The details:
Happi
Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
1817B 29th Ave. S., Homewood
423-2444
myspace.com/happiboutique