Rose Erickson proudly holds the plaque she recently received for the Best Boutique and Gift Shop in Fair Oaks 2025

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) – Fair Oaks is home to a unique women’s boutique that blends European chic and charm. Meet entrepreneur Rose Erickson, owner of French in the Village. Stepping into Erickson’s cozy two-story shop is like entering a Parisian boutique filled with one-of-a-kind designer pieces, European antiques, and plenty of accessories to match the clothing she carries. 

“I wanted a niche that no one else had in the area,” said Erickson, who opened the store 11 years ago. “I came up with the name French in the Village because I love traveling to France. The name caught on, and business evolved from there.”

It’s no surprise that French in the Village was recently named Best Boutique and Gift Shop in Fair Oaks for the eighth year. Erickson’s quaint Tudor-style shop sits at the edge of the village at 10351 Fair Oaks Blvd., across from Sunflower Drive-in and the Fair Oaks History Center.

“I buy clothing samples from different manufacturing reps who release their samples to me,” Erickson explained. “I always advise my customers not to wait when they see something they like because it will be gone tomorrow.” 

As a world traveler, Erickson also buys clothes and antiques for the store during her trips abroad. Her “regulars” visit often and enjoy sitting and chatting while soaking up the boutique's welcoming atmosphere.  

“Shopping at French in the Village is like visiting Rose in her home,” shared Jeanette Woodward, a long-time friend and customer. “I love dropping in just to say hi and to see what’s new. Rose is always so friendly to her customers and can always find something perfect for me.”  

Store owner, Rose Erickson, carries European antiques and gifts, as well as clothing and accessories.

From Teacher to Fashionista

Erickson didn’t enter the retail world until 1990, when she bought The Moth Hole consignment shop in Fair Oaks, a move that seemed destined to happen.

Recalled Erickson, “Growing up in a small Montana town, we didn’t have any clothing stores. Other than a K-Mart, you had to drive 200 miles to shop.”

She earned a teaching degree from Montana State University. Her husband, Jim, was a pilot in the Air Force and was stationed at a base in Kokomo, Indiana. It wasn’t until Rose Erickson started her first teaching job at their new location that she realized she had nothing nice to wear to school.

“My stylish girlfriends took me shopping and gave me basic fashion advice,” she said. “After that, I became a clothes maniac.” 

Eventually, the couple arrived in the Sacramento area, where Erickson continued her career in education. She has served as a principal, vice principal and teacher in the San Juan Unified School District.

With the dream of following her true passion and putting her creative skills to work, Erickson purchased the Moth Hole while working as a principal at an alternative education school. 

“I gave myself a year to learn everything about retail and running the store, while still working my school job,” she shared. 

Erickson established lasting connections with her merchandisers and loved working with customers, helping them coordinate outfits for every occasion.

After growing tired of managing employees and pouring her school paychecks into the store, Erickson sold the Moth Hole and took some time off, but she became miserable at home. A neighboring business owner told her about an older vacant building for sale on Fair Oaks Boulevard that looked like a small cottage. 

Even though the building’s landlord insisted that a store in that location would never succeed, Erickson quickly proved him wrong after opening French in the Village.

Rose Erickson opened French in the Village, a unique clothing and antiques boutique, in 2015.

Giving Back

Rose and Jim Erickson have called the Fair Oaks community home for 43 years and enjoy spending time with their two children and four grandchildren who live nearby. 

As a dedicated member of the Fair Oaks Chamber since 2010, Erickson has held several leadership roles, including president, and values the support and friendships she has built. She often organizes fundraisers at French in the Village and donates beautiful French-themed gift baskets for raffle drawings at various functions. Last year, she hosted a French-themed dinner for 12 guests at her home to support the chamber’s Honorary Mayor’s campaign.

“Rose Erickson’s strength lies in her connections and her unwavering support for others,” affirmed Kimberley Pitillo, Fair Oaks Chamber CEO and president. “She truly stands out through her engagement and commitment to this community.”

French in the Village has received numerous awards and accolades over the years, including Best Boutique and Gift Shop for eight consecutive years.