This month, Darcy Blessing opened Blissed Out Boutique. The shop is located in Westerville at 320 S. State St. The boutique carries sizes 2 to 22, offering unique selections in each size category from missy to plus.
Just over a year ago, Blessing decided she was ready to follow her long-time dream of joining the fashion industry. Tired of feeling burnt out all of the time, she knew she had to change something to overcome that feeling. She researched the boutique industry to determine popular items and relevant price points. She then converted her basement into a boutique space and began selling apparel, hosting events, and meeting with customers individually. She held pop-up shops around the city as well. When the business outgrew her basement and began to overtake the rest of her house, she knew it was time to take the next step. Blessing quit her full time corporate job and leased a retail space in Westerville.
When deciding on a name, Blessing thought about the feeling she was tired of – burnt out. She figured if she was feeling this way constantly, there were other women feeling the same way as well. She drew inspiration from its counterpart – bliss. She hopes her customers and friends will leave her boutique feeling uplifted and refreshed; blissed out instead of burnt out.
Blissed Out Boutique carries brands JOH, LYSSE, Vocal USA, Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, Beach Lunch Lounge, Bobeau, and Dex, to name a few. The shop only carries a few of each item in any one size, so each shopping trip is a new experience, and customers won’t see their favorite shirt on six other women. Blessing commented on the body struggles and self-doubt most women face, and she hopes her boutique will help women overcome those issues and be confident in their clothing. Blissed Out Boutique carries just as many items in a size 22 as a size 2, so there is something for everyone in the shop. In addition to tops, bottoms, and dresses, the boutique also carries accessories like jewelry, scarves, and hats, as well as small home items.
In the center of Blissed Out Boutique is a living room set up where customers and friends can gather. Blessing arranged the living room space, complete with a couch, ottoman, two chairs, and a plush rug, in hopes of creating a warm, inviting area where she can create community with her customers. She plans to host events such as showers, fundraisers, women empowerment events, and sip & shop nights.
Blessing also operates a Facebook group for her female customers, called Blissed Out Babes, where women can interact with each other and offer advice through their virtual community. Another digital format Blessing utilizes is her blog. She writes posts on everything from retail fashion’s shortcomings to panic attacks. Additionally, she features a Blissed Out Woman of the Month. The featured woman shares her story and selects a charity for a portion of the month’s proceeds to go toward.
Blissed Out Boutique celebrates their grand opening on Oct. 11.
For more information, visit blissedoutboutique.com.
