Jasmine Wheatley is upping the ante.

Wheatley, the former owner of Lipstick and Labels located below The Vicksburg apartments downtown, has expanded her business just a few years after its start.

Wheatley’s newest store, Up the Ante by Lipstick and Labels, officially opened Thursday after a grand opening ribbon cutting hosted by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

“Lipstick and Labels gave birth. I’m upping the stakes. We’re bigger and better,” Wheatley said.

After securing the store location in May, Wheatley, who opened her original business at age 28, said she has spent her time transitioning to her new store, which features clothing, accessories, skin products, makeup and art.

“I want to offer things for everyone. Diversity is really what it’s about,” she said. “I don’t want people to have to come here for something and then run up the street for something. No I’m not the largest, I’m not the smallest but what I can offer is a personal touch. Everything here I have hand picked myself.

“I try to be as hands on as I can. What I can offer is just a small, intimate setting. My workers here will know your name, will know what you like. That’s why you come to Washington Street. Everyone knows everyone, so I’m very happy to be here.”

Wheatley and her team of two carpenters painted walls, hung decorations and restored seats in preparation for the grand opening.

Wheatley said she has even bigger plans for her new, larger space, including adding other aspects to her business, like possibly including a manicurist to the makeup artist and masseuse she is already working with at the store.

“I started at 600 square feet and that’s including a bathroom. Now I’m at 2,000 square feet,” she said. “God said if you build it, they will come. So I’m just trusting him. I can’t be in this large space by myself, so I’m just trusting he’ll bring some good people. (I’m looking) for things that will merge with what I’m doing.”

Wheatley’s other ideas for the store include hosting workshops and other community events there.

“It’s about how you look and feel about yourself,” she said. “It’s about self love and swapping ideas and uplifting others in the community.”

Both Jane Flowers, director of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and Mayor George Flaggs Jr. commended Wheatley, who graduated from Vicksburg High School and Alcorn State University, for her entrepreneurial spirit.

“Thank you for having the faith and courage to show young people in Vicksburg, Mississippi, what is possible,” Flaggs said.