Describe your business in one sentence.

We are a unique essentials store by day, a private meeting space by night, and always a community place.

We often say innovation comes from questioning the status quo. Have you uncovered new ways of doing business or launched new products/services that you had not thought of before? How did it work out?

Yes! Our business model is ever-evolving with the needs of the community. We welcome all feedback and requests. If we get the same request often enough, we go for it. I have learned of price-point sweet spots and do my best to always have our most popular merchandise available. While we still consider ourselves a gathering place, the small events we hosted have been put on the back burner until it is safe to start them up again [due to the COVID-19 pandemic].

If there was a single product, service, or expertise you should be known for, what would say it is?

We have the gifts and essentials that will not get pushed to the back of the closet or drawer! I spend a lot of time curating unique finds, setting myself apart from other Island shops. My goal is to make sure the community has one more place to go to find what they are looking for.

Tell us something about your business that would surprise us.

One element of my business plan was to support the MI community in every way. My Mercer Island spirit wear is priced so that everyone can enjoy it. When possible, I host other new small at home/online MI owned businesses, giving them a stage to launch their ideas. Additionally, most of my team is made up of Mercer Island students and parents.

What is your favorite spot on Mercer Island?

I love the Lid park [Aubrey Davis Park]. I take my dogs there to run and visit with their friends while my kids hang on the fields/courts and play on the playground.

Since you’ve been in business on Mercer Island, what have you discovered about Islanders and the Mercer Island community in general?

I have found that when a customer feels happy and relaxed in the environment I have created, they keep coming back! Again, I am so so grateful.

When you are not working, what is your favorite pastime?

When I am at work, I am working! I spend the day cleaning, rearranging displays, and making merchandise easy to see. I also spend a lot of time researching new products to bring in every season and creating new ways to market our store. Many MI residents still do not know we are here. It is my job to make sure everyone knows we are here to service their wants and give them a very pleasant, easy shopping experience.

If you had to convince a non-Islander to come discover our town, what would you tell them?

I would inform an off-island shopper that Mercer Island is filled with good people, shops for everything you might need, parks for the pups & kids, and easy travel up and down the island without traffic.

Learn more about The Boutique Lounge and shop unique finds at www.miboutiquelounge.com.