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What began as a business in Susie and Marty Blackwell's basement has expanded to a full retail store, soon to open in the Cardinal Crossing Shopping Center on Fleming Road in Greensboro.

Splurges, a family-oriented business that features one-of-a-kind accessories, clothing and beauty products, will hold a grand opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 2207 Fleming Road.

The store had a preopening event Sunday.

Splurges will also showcase contemporary artwork from the B. Coyne Gallery, which is owned by Susie Blackwell's father, Bill Coyne.

Coyne's fine art, which he described as an innovative fusion of digital design and contemporary art, has always been his first love.

However, Coyne said he had to put fine art on the back burner to support his family.

"Back when I was starting a family, you couldn't make a living as an artist when you had kids to feed, so I began an advertising and marketing agency, called Coyne Beahm, that ended up becoming very successful," he said.

Coyne said his children also worked for him at the agency, helping it to grow into a large business.

"I started preparing to fully go into fine arts about 10 years ago because I knew it would soon be time for me to retire from the marketing world," he said.

Coyne retired in 2000.

Blackwell said when she decided to open Splurges in the shopping center, she wanted to expose her father's artwork at a retail level that he has never been exposed to before.

"All of the art you see hanging on the wall here is also for sale," Blackwell said.

"This venture truly is one in which the whole family is involved."

Blackwell's mother, Dolly Coyne, handles the merchandising aspect of the business, her daughter is a buyer for the business and her husband, Marty, and nephew, Patrick, also contribute heavily to the businesses.

Blackwell also credits her brother, Billy, for a lot of the business' success.

The family moved to Greensboro from Florida nearly 30 years ago so Billy, who has Down syndrome, could get a good education at McIver Education Center in Greensboro.

"Billy loves to be a part of this whole process, and anywhere you see the Splurges, it's thanks to my brother," she said.

Blackwell said the venture is really personal to her and her family.

"We look at family as being really important; service is right up there with family. I believe in having a hands-on approach with my customers," Blackwell said.

And with price points that meet everyone's budgets, Blackwell said, customers will never feel guilty after splurging on their favorite accessories, clothing, beauty products and artwork at her family business.

The store also carries candles, bath and body products, handbags and other items made exclusively for Splurges.

"We even have a little section for expectant moms, with the popular Blessed Belly shirts that fit most baby bumps, and we also have some things for babies," Blackwell said.

"We also carry J & Company thermals with the angel wings on the back. Jessica Simpson made them very popular when she was photographed wearing one," she said.

Blackwell said Splurges is also a place for customers to hold shopping parties and receive several different shopping incentives.

"If you come into the store with $5 or $100, you're certain to find something in our store," she said.

For information about Splurges, call 605-3000 or send e-mail to splurgesboutique@ aol.com. For more information about B. Coyne Gallery, visit http://www.bcoynegallery.com or send e-mail to coynenc7@aol.com.

Contact Adria Hairston at 883.4422, Ext. 244, or ahairston@news-record.com