About Us

 

Our Story 

Bonjour! We are a French-inspired home decór and gift boutique dedicated to bringing beautiful products into the hands of our customers, one experience at a time. Our founder, Angela Phelps, took a trip to Paris in 2000 and quickly felt a calling - to open up her own store in the Village at Shirlington in Arlington, Virginia. She was inspired by the quaint french boutiques and was hopeful to bring that Parisian feeling to the Northern Virginia area. 

Le Village Marché is much more than a boutique - it is an experience. Nestled in the heart of the Village at Shirlington, our shop invites you to slow down, take a deep breath, and step into a small corner of Paris. From the moment you walk through the door, we hope all five senses come alive through the beautiful displays, thoughtful gifts, welcoming conversation, and an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and comforting. 

Le Village Marché is now proudly owned by Donna McKelvey who purchased the store in May of 2025 from its founder, Angela. 

Donna spent her entire professional career in the nonprofit sector, working with numerous organizations dedicated to meaningful causes. She spent three decades building a fulfilling career centered around service, impact, and fundraising. In 2022 she decided to retire, but knew there was something else out there. Hence, a brand new chapter two! 

After two years of exploring new possibilities, she began working at the store during the bustling Holiday season and quickly realized how much she enjoyed it. What started as a seasonal role quickly became something much more. Donna fell in love with the store, the creativity of the displays, the unique products, and most importantly, the relationships with the customers. When Angela decided she was ready to sell, Donna was eager to buy and carry the vision forward. By May of 2025 the transition was complete!

Our Mission

At Le Village Marché, our mission is simple: create a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and joyful. 

We want every visitor to feel like they’ve been transported somewhere special - perhaps a small boutique tucked away on a Parisian street. Customers often tell us that they come here to relax, wander, and discover something unexpected. Many say that we have become their go-to gift shop, a place where they know they will always find something meaningful and unique. 

More than anything, we are all about relationships. Over time, customers become friends, conversations become connections, and the store becomes a happy gathering place within the community. 

Thoughtfully Curated 

Our product selection builds on the wonderful foundation established from the beginning of the store’s opening. Each item in the shop is chosen with intention. 

We look for:

• Unique items you won’t find anywhere else

• High-quality products that feel special 

• Vendors we can build meaningful partnerships with

• Locally sourced items alongside French-inspired pieces

Because we are an independent brick-and-mortar boutique, you will discover items here that you won't see anywhere else. 

Presentation is just as important as the products themselves, our displays change seasonally, telling a story throughout the store. From holiday transformations to everyday vignettes, we want each visit to feel fresh and exciting. 

Rooted in Community 

The Village at Shirlington has a charm that many describe as feeling like something out of a Hallmark movie. Independent business owners line the streets, neighbors know each other, and the community truly looks out for one another.

Le Village Marché is proud to be a part of that spirit. We are always looking to partner with nearby businesses, connect with local makers, and create opportunities for people to gather. The location of our store feels like a step back in time within the midst of the fast-paced Northern Virginia lifestyle. 

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, we are excited to expand the Le Village Marché experience in new ways. 

Our plans include: 

• Growing our online presence so customers beyond our local area can feel part of the shop 

• Hosting community events, book signings, gatherings 

• Supporting fundraisers and charitable causes

• Continuing to build partnerships within our local community. 

What Brings Us Joy

Donna’s favorite part of owning the store is simple: helping someone find the perfect gift.

There’s nothing better than watching a customer light up when they discover exactly what they’ve been searching for - or, something they didn't even know they needed! When someone leaves grateful and excited to give a gift they found here or anxiously awaiting incorporating their new items into their home, it means we’ve done our job. 

At the end of the day, Le Village Marché exists for one reason: to spread joy, create meaningful relationships, and make people feel a little more fabulous when they walk out than when they walked in. 

We are so excited for you to visit!