Whether it's the style of clothes they offer, or the type of jewelry they sell, Ashley's influence can be found throughout the store. And the owners say, her presence there is more than just letters on the windows.

Jennifer Flower and her best friend Ashley Johnson were working inside "A Classic Boutique" near the corner of Union Avenue and C Street in Pueblo, on November 13, 2008. That was the day the Branch Inn next door exploded because of gas buildup in the basement.

Jennifer survived the explosion, like several others, but her friend did not. Ashley was the only victim of the explosion that rocked the historic district of downtown Pueblo.

Months after the explosion, when the lots were being cleared of debris, questions of whether or not the store would be rebuilt and open again, arose. But the trauma of what had occurred was too great to even discuss the topic. “It was really hard in the beginning to talk about it, or just to think about what happened that day," says Jennifer Flower.

It's been more than a year since the explosion took her best friend’s life, and not a day passes without Jennifer thinking about Ashley. A Classic Boutique was owned by Jennifer's sister, Sherri Lombard. The two had talked about opening a store together since they were kids. The store on Union Avenue was that dream realized.

"I feel her presence here. I wish she was here," says Connie Deweese, Ashley's mother.

But the memories of what happened there were too great to think about rebuilding or reopening at that location. So a new spot was found for their store.

Now nestled between Union and Main on B Street, the smaller shop has a cozy feel to it. All they needed was a name for their business. After several ideas didn't seem to fit, they settled on what they say they always knew the name should be, "Ashley's." "When they put that name on the window it just felt really real," says Lombard.

Now, everyday Jennifer and Sharri come to work they are greeted by the memory of their friend. They say it's a good feeling, but also a sad one. "It makes me think of Ashley and who she was to me and to all the friends that she had," says Jennifer.

Whether it's the style of clothes they offer, or the type of jewelry they sell, Ashley's influence can be found throughout the store. And the owners say, her presence there is more than just letters on the windows. "I think she's here with us, even today," says Jennifer.

A memorial candle inside the display case and a framed picture of Jennifer and Ashley next to the television are just a few of the little reminders of the young woman who was tragically taken from this world in the prime of her life.

Still, Tuesday's ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony was a joyous occasion. In attendance was Ashley's mother who says when she enters the store she finds some peace and is not the least bit offended by the store’s name. On the contrary, she loves it.