The Happy Woman Store

I love this line because it features the 4 F’s: Fashion Forward Fair Trade.  Designed by  two talented best friends turned businesss partners, this  sweet line is manufactured in India by women who are paid well for their work and who also have a voice in the operations of the business, from beginner sewers to marketing directors.  Many of the designs feature color-blocking techniques that have been used in India for generations but, sadly, are starting to be left behind.  Look for hand-woven tops, dresses, and skirts in our Suttons Bay store in May. 

Oh, and, just in case you’re wondering, I’m not talking about the lack of snow around these parts. Oh no siree, no. But, I admit that it has been a little bit of a struggle this year to GET. IN. THE. MOOD. Anybody else having trouble? Last week, I embarked upon the arts and crafts project of my life and created this window display featuring the work of Susan Brown. You know her from the Fairy Godmother, Follow Your Yellow Brick Road and Guardian Angel Boxes that she creates for our site. There’s just something about her artwork that says, “Get happy!” and “Put your big girl panties on”, all at the same time. So I did. And did.

Granted Sarah would look good in a paper bag, but just look at these brocade jackets from Two Star Dog. Style, details, and quality are their hallmark and these jackets are no exception. And, even though I’m about a foot shorter than Sarah Sue, it looked good on me, too.

Hey, it’s not easy to find good help, you know what I mean? I really lucked out this year with, not one, but TWO outstanding employees (pictured above: Kayleigh on the left, and Sarah on the right). I call them Modern Day Renaissance Girls because they perform the most creative tasks I throw their way with one hand tied behind their backs and their accuracy in writing up receipts (no, we DON’T have a cash register) tells me they have a Lego structure of the Great Pyramids hidden away in the back of their closet somewhere. They both have a winning way with customers, big smiles, helpful demeanors and if you need a gift, they’ll scour the ends of the store to help you find just the right thing. So, I’m counting my blessings cuz I’m spending lots of quality time with Steve this summer, my hair doesn’t look like the back of a skunk because I’m able to get to hair appointments when needed and not 3 weeks after disaster has struck, and MY demeanor has remained helpful.

This month (April 19th to be exact) marks our 9th year in business. I know, I can’t believe it either. Our new location in Suttons Bay is our 4th location for The Happy Woman store and, in all that time, I’ve never had a display window to merchandise. So, imagine my glee at the thought of thinking of crazy stuff to do in this one. This is the first display of the year and it’s about to be put to bed so that Earth Day display can take its place. I thought I’d share it with you. We are going to be painting the building (as soon as it gets above 50 degrees for more than 5 minutes) and my sign will be hung outside at that time, but for now, I’m just happy as pie, pleased as punch, and delighted as all get out that I have another place to play. P.S. — sorry about the glare — I’ll have to work on that.

We’ve got our store stocked with yummy fall sweaters & cozy fleece jackets — and we’d love to see you if you’re planning a trip UP NORTH to look at all of the lovely colors. Here are some pics from our store. Call us if something tickles your fancy — we’re happy to ship anything to you….

Here is a sneak peek at our store in Suttons Bay, Michigan after our redecorating shenanigans! We’re opening April 3rd! We hope you’ll visit when you’re in the area….