SHOPPING

SHOPPING RESOLUTION #2 : Treat Yo Self!

Be sure to set aside some funds each month for a special treat— from food to fashion, the choice is yours. gloshops GRABILL

Let us be a part of your special day.

We can create custom wedding candles, whether traditional white or something blue. Emma Taylor-Metcalf, LYN-MAREE’S BOUTIQUE

209 N. Main Street Auburn, IN 260.333.0238 www.Lyn-Marees.com

Facebook: facebook.com/lynmarees/ Insta: @lynmarees Pinterest: Lyn-Maree’s

Lyn Maree’s opened in 2004 as a bath and body boutique and quickly transitioned into an accessory boutique. Emma Metcalf purchased the business after graduating from college in 2012. She moved the boutique to a larger location and began growing the business to what it is today. Lyn-Maree’s is a community-minded boutique that strives to serve its customers with the highest quality customer service, providing versatile and affordable accessories and apparel that are classic, trendy and unique. The boutique carries sizes Small – 3XL.

Why did you start your business?

I worked for Lynn, the original owner, throughout high school and when I was home during collage breaks. I always thought I would work for a local corporation dealing with fashion or design in some way. I have a very artistic mind, which helps immensely in purchasing, store sets, organizing, displaying, window design, etc. I graduated from Purdue with Communications and Organization, Leadership and Supervision Degrees and wasn’t able to find a career that was the right fit. In 2012, my soon-to-be husband and I decided to take the leap and purchase Lyn-Maree’s. I knew every part of the business and how to run it already so I knew I would be able to make it mine.

What do you like best about owning your own business?

The best part of owning my own business is getting to know my customers. In a smaller community, we have regulars and get to hear about their children, grandchildren, etc. It’s fun to be able to help them find something for a special date or their daughter’s wedding. The second thing I love about owning my own business is owning a business downtown. It makes me feel so connected to my community and I get to know the other local business owners and organizations and support them in the best way I can. This has been essential in starting our second business, Auburn Brewing Company, in downtown Auburn.

What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?

The BEST business advice I have received is from a college assignment from Mike Littlejohn, owner of Carbaugh Jewelers. He told me about the ‘hard truths’ of owning your own small business. Things like: You actually need to be open during your business hours; you need to have set hours; you can’t leave for lunch; you’ll never be rich; you’ll work wayyyy more hours, than anyone with a 9-5; and since you do all this work and wont ever get paid for your hours you put in, you just have to be okay with the other perks.

Where is your favorite local place to shop?

Typically, I shop the blocks around Lyn-Maree’s based on what I need. We are so lucky to have so many options: cute boutiques, wineries, breweries, Country Lane General Store, Atrium Artists, Paper Gourmet, Little Sprouts Children’s Boutique. Auburn has it all. a