What makes Michele’s boutique that much more special is the relationship she builds with her loyal customers. “I wanted to make it an inviting space for people to be inspired by” she told me. From private events to fashion parties, and BOW to one-on-one style consults with the customers, Michele made sure to make the customer’s experience unique. Just this past month alone, she hosted a fantastic little private party, featuring fashion bloggers from all over Toronto to visit the shop for an afternoon of delicious macaroons, doughnuts and of course, shopping. I was lucky enough to sketch, paint and photograph the whole party. As Blush nears a decade, I was curious about what Michele has planned for the future of the shop. “I would love to see Blush expand with our online business. We’ve got a great customer base in our Guelph boutique location and look forward to growing the online business,” Lee said. With a successful blog, Pinterest, twitter, Instagram and Facebook page, it doesn’t seem like Michele would have any trouble succeeding in her Internet endeavors. Lee comments on the powerful impact Blush has had on social media as of late, stating the versatility and power Blush’s digital brand has inspired. I asked her about the role social media continues to play with the shop, and Lee happily states how it has become a great way to communicate with customers. “It’s such a fun way to share our brand and feels great that people appreciate all the hard work and the little details that make blush” Lee remarked. I truly believe that she will be successful in molding the digital vision of Blush for years to come. As for me, a 22-year-old South Asian male infatuated with the shop, I hope Michele one day creates a menswear section where I can go to burn my pay-cheques. But a man can only dream.
photos by MICHELE LEE of BLUSH SHOP