BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Among the yellow and purple denim jackets and brightly colored tees, it's hard not to notice the giant crown of thorns on the ceiling.
The religious piece, custom-made by Lafonte King and his wife, Liz King, is part of the decor for their new shop at 708 E. 4th St.
The boutique carries clothing and accessories for men, women and youth, as well as a section with Christian-based items.
There also is merchandise from Nike and Polo by Ralph Lauren.
The Kings, who both grew up in Bethlehem, are parishioners of the Ebenezer Bible Fellowship Church.
Their faith, they say, has guided them in opening a small business.
Previously, Liz King was employed in an analytics department for a big-box chain store, and Lafonte King worked in his family's towing business.
Seven years ago, they branded the name King's Expression with the hopes of becoming small business owners.
"We had moved from [Bethlehem] to Delaware and lived there for about five years.
"But I believe God brought us back here. I prayed a lot about it."
Bible verses in English and Spanish
The couple designs and produces in-house a majority of their faith-based items, which are made on vinyl.
Some of the collection bears the words "pray" and "faith."
There also are T's and sweatshirts with Bible verses printed in both English and Spanish.
Those bilingual Christian messages appear on other items such as bookmarks, keychains and drinkware.
On other shelves and clothing racks are blank hooded sweatshirts and T's, which can be custom-designed by the consumer.
While the Christian couple relies heavily on spirituality, they say they want everyone to feel welcome in their shop, regardless of their faith.
Liz King references her favorite Bible verse, John 3:16 — a verse that highlights God's love is universal.
"God loved the world, that's why we're here," she said. "We don't judge and we accept anyone."
In the shop, patrons also will find sunglasses, unisex jewelry, leather handbags, sundresses, jumpers and softie-slide sandals.
There also are Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin T-shirts (the late singers both got their start singing in churches and are beloved by the King family).
The Kings say the apparel will be swapped out seasonally, and in the coming weeks, they will start showcasing their fall and winter pieces.
Shop local
Liz King grew up on Bethlehem's south side with her parents and siblings, who were all born in Puerto Rico.
"I feel grateful to God we found this place near where I grew up," she said of the neighborhood, where a significant number of residents hail from the island.
The area boasts several Latino-owned businesses, including barber shops, restaurants and family-owned markets, and offers a shop-local atmosphere, the Kings say.
"We want to appeal to all ages and demographics," Lafonte King said.
"While also encouraging the community to support small business owners and build up the community."
Family affair
Leading up to the July 12 grand opening, the couple had help from the pastor and staff at the church, and their parents, who reside nearby.
Liz King's mom and dad, who had recently moved to the Isla del Encanto, relocated back to Bethlehem to help out with the business.
"My dad came out last month to help us with the opening of the store, and two weeks later, my parents moved back out here to support us and help with the kids," she said.
"I think it's prayer and the way that God set everything up. They're proud and excited for us."
The couple's three children also assist with some of the merchandising, and their teen daughter offers fashion inspiration.
"The kids help out with tagging and designing our logo at home," Liz King said. "We try to get them involved, even if they are not spending all day at the store."
King's Expression is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
For information, visit the shop's Facebook page.
