The couple operates Pangea Exotic Imports as well as Braids and Fades Lounge on the upper level of the mall. The current space is situated just off the elevator at the atrium between the main entrance and Macy's.

Pangea offers international imports, with 90 percent of the initial merchandise from Morocco, Nada's home country. James said they eventually intends to carry imports from regions around the world and reflect the retail store's moniker, Pangea. Pangea is an alternative spelling for Pangaea, the name given to the supercontinent that existed during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras and connected all the current continents.

"Our focus is on authentic pieces from the cultures around the world," Hutcherson said.

The store's current imports include handmade floor lamps with goat skin shades decorated with Moroccan inks. The store also carries Moroccan pottery, as well as serving dishes, wine racks, jewelry cases and accessories made from Moroccan wood that grows only in southwest Morocco.

Prices range from $10 for wooden accessory cases to $660 for the largest floor lamps.

Since opening in late November, however, the Hutchersons have found there to be more interest in their hair styling service than in the import shop.

Braids and Fades Lounge, set up in the back of the store, offers hair braiding and special hair cuts such as fades. The salon has three specialists who braid hair and one barber. Braiding can cost as little as $25 for a partial braid to $240 for a full braid. Barber services run from $5 for shapes and shades to $25 for special techniques that include dying.

Soon, the shop will relocate to a lower level space, Hutcherson said, and when they make the move, they will likely focus on Braids and Fades and use the Internet primarily for selling their imports.

This is the first business venture for the couple. Hutcherson, originally from Atlanta, is a Navy man, who served as a pilot for eight years. Nada completed her graduate school work in Hawaii, where Hutcherson was stationed and the two met.