Simply Stylish

Butterfly Boutique in Plymouth Treats Patrons Like Friends

Writer / Lois Tomaszewski
Photographer / Jubilee Edgell

Watching a butterfly flitter about in nature is a wonderful experience. Butterflies also often carry emotional and spiritual connections. That is the reason that Laura Mann named her Plymouth clothing store after butterflies.

“After my mother passed away in 2012, butterflies kept showing up at important events in my life – my daughter’s wedding, my son’s graduation,” Mann says. “Mom was clearly making her presence known, so I decided to call the store Butterfly Boutique.”

Mann opened the store in November of 2020 by renting a small space inside another location, Thistle and Cove, a vendor market located in downtown Plymouth. She moved into her current location on Michigan Street in April.

Mann says downtown Plymouth is an ideal location, from both a business and personal point of view.

“Downtown Plymouth merchants have been working hard to revitalize the area and I wanted to be a part of it,” Mann says. “Plymouth is my hometown and I love seeing the hustle and bustle return to downtown.”

A lifelong resident of Plymouth, Mann has found a career in public service. Her positions have included a 911 dispatcher, the victim-assistance director and, currently, the promotion of the city coordinator for the City of Plymouth. These roles have given her a unique perspective on people and on the progress the city has made in developing its downtown area.

Part of being a business owner is meeting and greeting customers, and running a small business in a small town is an added benefit for owners like Mann. Small-business owners have a different philosophy about their business and the community than some chain stores or big retail centers. The connection Mann makes with her customers is one of the many benefits she receives from Butterfly Boutique.

“I love becoming friends with folks that come into the store,” Mann says. “It’s fun to see them happy when they put on a new

outfit that looks great and they feel amazing in. I think people enjoy the small-town service they receive at Butterfly Boutique and the other downtown Plymouth stores.”

Mann says her business model for the boutique is to “carry things that will appeal to different styles.” The products she sells include sleepwear, accessories and some shoes. Customers can also shop the selection of jewelry, purses, scarves, hats, fashion boots, keychains, pajamas, bathrobes, slippers and gift items.

Whether her customers are looking for something casual and comfortable, something that is festive for the holidays, or a dressy option, Mann tries to keep her selections current and appropriate for the season. Social media is one way she promotes her newest merchandise and special pricing, or deals for regular and new customers.

“I wanted to open a boutique that catered to women of all ages, sizes and genres of fashion,” she says. “I wanted to offer an alternative to leaving town, to be able to buy fashionable clothes.”

Her store is size-inclusive. She stocks women’s sizes from extra small to 3X, offered at affordable prices.

As part of the business community, Mann also takes part in the special events planned by the Downtown Merchants Association, such as the holiday kickoff in November and special hours during the holiday shopping season. This camaraderie makes working and shopping a pleasant experience.

The store is in the heart of the historic business district. With windows facing this main thoroughfare, she can display new selections and add to the vibrancy of a burgeoning downtown shopping district. Her storefront, adorned with a red and white awning, is decorated for the seasons. It puts out a warm welcome to those looking for a new outfit or gift, or those who are simply browsing.

“When my customers think about Butterfly Boutique, I want them to feel like they are going to visit a friend,” Mann says of her customer-service philosophy. “I like to help each customer to find items that they love and fit them well.”

Butterfly Boutique is located at 118 North Michigan Street in Plymouth. For more information, call 574-933-1193 or email laurasbutterflyboutique@gmail.com. You can also find Butterfly Boutique on Facebook.