Mom and son open Charleston boutique to raise autism awareness

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – A mom and son store has opened its doors for the first time to raise awareness for autism.

RK Country Boutique is a custom design t-shirt store, which held its grand opening in Charleston Wednesday. The business started in 2021 when Kim Smith and her son Rylan Smith sold shirts online. Wednesday’s ribbon cutting marked the opening of their first store.

The boutique also sells handmade lotions, candles, tumblers and dresses, among other merchandise. Ten percent of the store’s annual profits are donated towards autism awareness.

“I have autism myself. We figured it’d be nice to support people who have the same autism that I have,” Rylan said.

Kim launched the business with her son to show the world that he is worth much more than the label of autism.

“It doesn’t stop at that. He’s so much more than autistic. I just want people to know that. He’s one of the smartest people I’ve met in my life. He would do anything for anybody and has a heart of gold,” Kim said.

Now, the mom and son duo are living out their dream at their own downtown store.

“Just seeing the smiles he gets from people commenting on his work. It just touches my heart,” Kim said.

The boutique is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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