Karen Davis of Tarboro said the merchandise in her new store, Cute As A Button, is well... cute as a button.

“We sell children’s clothing, accessories and toys,” said Davis. “We also have hand-painted items, gifts, jewelry and purses.

“We have all types of knick-knacks for kids and grown-ups.”

Davis also sells a large number of items that can be personally monogramed.

“We sell monogramed buttons, hair bows, ponytail holders, tee shirts, pacifier clips, lunch boxes and key chains,” said Davis. “And we can customize invitations for any event.”

Davis, an 11-year veteran of Sprint before deciding to open her business, said she drew her inspiration from her four-year-old daughter Alana.

“I’ve always wanted to open a gift shop,” said Davis. “But I used my daughter as my inspiration for this place.”

Davis' cousin, Kim Davis of Tarboro, is her partner in the business.

“She used her two children, Grayson, 5, and Cole, 3, as her inspiration,” said Davis.

Davis said that she and her cousin started setting up the store, which is at 221 Main St. in Tarboro, on April 27.

The store opened for business on May 31.

“We did a lot of painting,” said Davis. “And we installed new custom cabinetry.”

Davis said she has been pleased with the response in Tarboro during her first few weeks in business.

“Business has been very good so far,” said Davis.

Cute As A Button carries a wide variety of children’s clothing and accessories, which range in sizes from newborns to about eight-years-old.