‘Free Rein’ to shop local

EMMA ROUTLEY/THE CHRONICLE

Owner Melanie Stuhlmiller at her boutique on East Main St. in Cottage Grove.

COTTAGE GROVE – Melanie Stuhlmiller wasn’t about to spend her life working 9-to-5s. Despite the familiar pandemic-related challenges, she pushed through to make her small-town women’s boutique, Free Rein on Main, the success it is today. 

Today, the store offers fashionable jeans, sweaters and lingerie with inclusive sizes. The large amount of floor space makes for easy browsing and social…