Inspiring Fun Via Fashion

Blackberry Lane

WRITTEN BY KRISTEN BOEHM PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIN JAMES

The Shop

Blackberry Lane’s brick-and-mortar boutique has only been open since 2021, but the venture began in 2018 when Owner Stephanie Bates began selling fun and affordable clothing online. Since then, they’ve grown into a bustling business that’s always got something exciting going on, be it specials, parties, or just another chance to find your new favorite closet staple.

The Atmosphere

When you walk into Blackberry Lane, it feels like a celebration! Bright white walls and pink floors, eye-catching decorations, and colorful clothes give the shop a cheerful vibe. Bates and her employees are always ready and willing to help you find what you’re looking for, especially since putting together outfits is Bates’ specialty.

“I call it my superpower,” she says. “Anyone could walk in, and I can pick out an outfit that will look fantastic on them. It’s just so fun to see them be like, ‘Oh my gosh, I look so good in this!’”

The store even has a Selfie Room for customers to snap some glamor shots (which can get you 10% off on Selfie Saturday). It’s the perfect way to express the self-confidence that Bates knows can come with an awesome new fit.

Key People

Bates is a wife, mom of soon-to-be nine kids, and started Blackberry Lane to help people feel confident again. While managing a coffee shop in Anacortes for 10 years, she fell into a routine of wearing the same “frumpy” clothes everyday. After buying a new shirt and leaning back into self-care, she felt reinvigorated.

“My whole demeanor just completely changed over this one shirt, and that kind of sparked the whole thing with Blackberry. I wanted to help people feel better about themselves through clothing, and it’s really crazy how therapeutic it can be.”

It began on Facebook, where a majority of her business is still conducted. You can join the Blackberry Lane VIP Group on Facebook for exclusive access to new products, secret sales, and giveaways!

What You’ll Find

Everything in the boutique is picked out with Bates’ super eye for fashion. Uplifting graphic tees, staple denim, PNW inspired pieces, dresses, accessories, shoes women’s clothes of all types can be found here in sizes small through 3X. You’ll also find kids’ clothes, self-care, and home goods. Almost everything is $40 or under, as something Bates finds extremely important is to keep her shop accessible and affordable.

Favorites

Bates loves zhuzhed-up basics! Leah’s Leopard Jumpsuit is easy to wear but makes a big impact with its bold pattern and open back. The Cora Cut Out Bodysuit turns a simple leotard into a statement piece with an exposed shoulder on one side and a stylish cut out on the other. Bates also showed us a flowy sheer kimono that can be layered on top of any summer outfit for a touch of whimsy and some light sun protection.

Of course, Bates’ favorite part of the business is the impact she can make with something as simple as a new shirt.

“This place has become way more than just a boutique. I have customers that send me messages telling me how much I’ve changed their life by allowing them to feel good about themselves, just by providing them that opportunity,” she says. “It’s just crazy what impact this little tiny business has had on our community.”

616 Commercial Ave., Anacortes, 360.399.7652, shopblackberrylane.com 