Empire, Kent’s newest specialty store, is hosting a grand opening ceremony tomorrow at 4 p.m. The store is located at 135 E. Main St., in the space formerly occupied by Lasso the Moon.

Empire bills itself as “an emporium of henna, chocolate and pleasurable necessities.” That last category includes items such as all-natural skin care, shampoo and hair dye.

The store also carries a selection of handmade chocolates from House of Bittersweet, a locally owned chocolate company. The store carries 16 varieties, and the selection is expected to expand.

Local henna artists are available by appointment or for walk-ins during the day. Tomorrow’s event will feature free chocolate tasting all day, and Saturday will feature free body art done by nationally known artists, owner Catherine Cartwright-Jones said.

Visit the store’s Web site, www.empirekent.com, or call 330-968-4946 for more details.

– Brittany Moffat