Meet Erica & Blush Boutique
Written by guest blogger Erica Kennedy, owner of Blush Boutique
Who in the world decides to start an online boutique with a new baby, a teenager, a full time job and husband?
Sounds crazy, but that was what I did three years ago.
When I was planning my wedding in 2014 I was looking for THE rehearsal dinner dress. I had something in mind but just couldn’t find it at the mall or any of the stores I loved browsing online. So I decided to make a visit to a popular local boutique in Urbana, IL. Not only did I find exactly what I was looking for, I noticed that the styles were different from the mall, there were limited quantities (so less chance of seeing yourself walking down the street) and the atmosphere was welcoming. I actually felt, dare I say it…special. Because it was a small business, there was more focus on customer service and soon I became a regular where the employees knew my name. It was then I started seriously thinking about why I couldn’t do something like this? I love fashion, I love people, I love making people feel special. Those thoughts turned into reality in November 2017 when I first opened my virtual doors to Blush Boutique based out of Urbana, IL.
I’ve grown this small business from just a handful of friends and family buying from me, to now 4.3k followers on Facebook and after deciding to take myself and my business in 2020 to other social media platforms, 3k followers on Instagram and 36k followers on TikTok.
What I think makes Blush Boutique stand out from the rest is that I try to cater to women like me. The busy career woman, the woman who has kids/husband but doesn’t feel like that means her style has to be put on the back burner, the woman who still likes to go out on weekends and the woman who may have lost her fashion sense and needs help finding it again. I also pride myself on keeping my price point low but my quality high. Because fashion does not and should not have to cost a fortune.
Although my store is strictly online, I still love interacting with each and every follower as if I had a brick and mortar store. I’ve made real friendships and connections with people I may never meet. I also enjoy sharing my life outside of the boutique on my social media handles. Anything from clothes I’ve bought from other stores, reviews on products, makeup tutorials, skincare, other local businesses I enjoy, tips and tricks of this business, my children, my new pregnancy (due in June 2021) and everything in between.
Owning this store has really brought me a great sense of joy in many aspects of my life and I can honestly say that I really love what I do. Although it is hard to juggle the many hats I wear throughout the day, I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Follow Erica & Blush:
Instagram: masonmichael_2
Facebook: Blush - An Exclusive Boutique
TikTok: Ericak83
Website: www.shopblush.online