Party Down Under
PARTY DOWN
STORY BY JONELL KEHIAS PHOTOS BY THOM RAKESTRAW Creativity and resourcefulness are two traits that are vital to every successful small business. Add to that the ability to maximize assets and recognize and fill an unmet need and you have --- La La Boutique. Erika Zilm, with her mother Melanie Rust, opened La La Boutique, 314 N. Main St., Bloomington in late June of 2020. La La Boutique offers affordable, high-quality clothing and accessories for women of every size. And if you are a bride-to-be with a downtown Bloomington reception or wedding, La La also serves as a great place to relax, unwind and get ready in their downstairs space. Erika Tornquist had a little inside information that allowed her to be the first bride to take advantage of La La’s basement rooms. Erika used to work at Mid City
Salon and Spa, which occupied the same space where La La is now located. And she remembered their basement. So Erika Tornquist reached out to Erika and Melanie and asked them if the bridal party could use the space to get ready before her wedding. Erika married James Baker at Reality on Monroe, 111 E. Monroe St., Bloomington on April 3. Reality on Monroe is a popular event venue and is just steps away from La La Boutique. Luckily for the bride-to-be, Erika and Melanie had refurbished and decorated their subterranean space with the same urban and sophisticated vibe that defines their store. Exposed brick, velvet couches and chairs, a fireplace and subdued colors and lighting make it the perfect spot to prepare for the big day. Erika and Melanie had plans for using the downstairs for small, private after-hours shopping events. Customers could use the space to chill and enjoy some refreshments (customers would bring in their own
food/beverages) and then they would have exclusive after-hours access to shop. And with Illinois entering the Bridge Phase on May 14, the looser restrictions allow these plans to move forward. But in the meantime, thanks to referrals from Reality on Monroe, two more brides have already booked the basement area to use as a preceremony staging area. While La La’s location is one of its initial selling points, it is the owners who really seal the deal. Melanie and Erika are easy-going and gracious hosts. They are just fun to be around and whether you are shopping or getting ready for the biggest day of your life, Erika and Melanie will add to your experience. If you are interested in a private shopping event or want to use La La Boutique’s downstairs space before a wedding, contact Erika and Melanie at lalaboutique314@gmail.com or 309386-1397.
June 2021 | Limited Magazine 13
