{image1}Ayesha Tahir has traveled the globe and wants to share the world with Milwaukee. She's doing it via "Ayeshaz -- Accents for the Metropolitan Woman," a boutique in the Third Ward (517 E. Menomonee St.).

Tahir has an MBA from Oshkosh and experience in the world of retail thanks to her family's similar store in Chicago. As a Milwaukee resident, she wanted to create something in the city to call her own. The Historic Third Ward once again seemed the perfect spot for a unique boutique.

"Right now is a good time to start a business in the Third Ward due to all of the condo and restaurant development," says Tahir. "I would encourage others to invest and act now."

The Third Ward offers an interesting blend of people, places and cultures that Tahir sees as the perfect match for her store. Whether fashion accessories or home décor, she provides an array of accessories for the metropolitan woman.

Tahir believes a metropolitan woman is an independent, out-going, working woman. Whether working at home or in an office Tahir says, "A metropolitan woman knows what she wants out of life and has her own sense of style."

Just such a woman, Tahir searches and researches to provide distinctive products for her customers. Her wares come from as far away as India and China. From Europe to Asia and New York to Los Angeles, she spans the globe and provides diverse merchandise.

{image2}"I wanted to bring Eastern culture to the West and create a mix," says Tahir. "I want to bring both sides of the world together and provide Milwaukeeans with unique conversation pieces."

A walk around the store offers locals a journey around the world where something is sure to catch your eye. Hand carved furniture from India, 80-100-year-old copper and brass pots, intricately carved wooden trays and hand carved marble statues will infuse interest into any home. Blue pottery from India, semi-precious stone carved flowers or hand crafted vases made of camel skin are pieces sure to stir up conversation.

In fact, Tahir has a 5-foot camel skin vase that is truly one-of-a-kind. It is an original piece that took over three generations for the artist's family to complete. Another vase that is available has a twin that was purchased by the president of France. How often can a Milwaukeean say they have something in common with the president of France?

Tahir also offers wall art in a variety of styles from select Pakistani artists. Islamic architecture inspired screen prints and mirror paintings are a few of the key pieces.

If you prefer to accessorize yourself rather than your home, then give yourself a bedazzled look with jewelry and watches, hats, sunglasses, beaded bags and slippers, pashmina shawls or sparking Indian bangles.

Ayeshaz offers a glimpse of the world, a store where cultures and craftsmen from east to west can be explored and collected. Tahir is a woman who wants to influence the rich culture that is flourishing in the area, so check out this new stop for shoppers in the Historic Third Ward.

For more information, call (414) 390-0389. The store's Web site is ayeshazboutique.com.