LAKE ORION, Mich. – On Thursday, May 9, 2024, members of the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce, Orion Township Board of Trustees and the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority, all gathered along with friends, family and fellow business owners to commemorate the grand opening of Boutique Chic.
Formerly “Simply Marcella,” Boutique Chic is a women’s clothing store that officially opened its doors on May 1, 2024. The store owner, Annalise Costantino, found out in January of this year that Simply Marcella would be vacant.
Photo by Joe Johnson
“[Marcella] informed me that she would be changing over back in January is when I first found out. The change-over didn’t begin until April 1, that is when the transition period began, and my lease didn’t begin until May 1. So, this has been home now,” Costantino said.
Boutique Chic prides itself on its women-focused mission, serving the community through female solidarity and direct support.
“My store primarily focuses on women-owned businesses, designs and organizations that give back to their communities and globally. I try to feature women-owned artistry, you’ll see that throughout the boutique,” Costantino said.
Boutique Chic’s current spotlight: “Ring True” – it is jewelry made by survivors of human trafficking.
“This is a way for them to earn an income, as well as helping the healing process,” Costantino said.
Photo by Joe Johnson
The DDA, as well as the O Area Chamber of Commerce, have been doing ribbon cuttings for newly-opened businesses for quite a while, and they have been vital in helping Boutique Chic.
“They have been vital in the changeover, everyone has been so welcoming, the DDA, they pushed and pushed. I was having trouble with my sign getting up on time and Matt [Pfeiffer] went to bat for me – he made it happen,” Costantino said. “All of the businesses have been so welcoming to me… The Chamber has given me so many different networking options and abilities and it’s been fabulous.”
Costantino, a Lake Orion native, was super grateful for this opportunity to not only operate her business in her hometown, but to her supporters, including her family.
“I work less than a mile from home – it’s wonderful,” Costantino said.
You can find Boutique Chic at 120 S. Broadway in downtown Lake Orion. For more information, you can call (248) 814-7400, or visit shopboutiquechic.com.