They’ve Got the Looks

lirt Boutique in Rochester has been well-known in the community and beyond for decades, thanks to the vision of Treva Mulligan, the original founder. New Owner Pam Romine is respectful of that legacy, and honored to continue offering a quality boutique that appeals to locals and visitors alike.

Romine purchased the business in September, closing the boutique for about a month while she refreshed the look by adding a cream-toned color scheme to make the store feel more spacious and welcoming.

“I want the merchandise to speak for itself,” Romine says. “Adding pops of color with the products we carry makes them stand out against a neutral palette.”

Flirt is designed to be “classy and fun,” Romine says. “I hope when people walk in they get the ‘wow’ factor,” she adds.

Romine is new to boutique ownership, but not to the community.

“After serving the community as a dental hygienist for many years, I was ready for a new challenge, but not yet ready to retire at 60,” she says. “I knew the community and I loved the people here. Helping and making people feel good about themselves are just

Open: a few things that make purchasing Flirt Boutique what it’s all about.”

With previous employees Merlee Bigler, Sarah Reynolds and Jerri Robinson staying on, Flirt has continued to draw a loyal following. In addition, Debb Lee, MaryAnn Moore, and the summer crew of Cadince Gilbert, Maggie Smith and Maddy

Brouyette have joined the team. Teri Carr lends her talents to organizing and decorating windows.

For Romine, the hard work pays off when she sees people she knows come through the doors - even more so when new visitors come to shop and new friendships develop.

“When someone comes in the door who may not be having a good day, this is an opportunity to put a smile on their face before they leave,” she says. “Flirt Boutique is about the experience. We want all people to feel welcomed and loved when they come to Flirt.”

Romine credits her team with helping Flirt stay current with trends. She takes a team approach to decision making, relying on her staff to make sure the clothing and accessories are on trend but also relevant to people who live in the Rochester area.

“Taking time to go to larger markets and meet with our reps helps us stay on top of trends,” Romine says. “It’s important to give our customers options for one-ofa-kind fashion and accessories, children apparel, home goods and other gifts throughout the store. We have a lot to offer here in Rochester at Flirt Boutique.” Flirt Boutique carries several high-end and moderately priced women’s clothing. Popular product lines include Lyssé, Clara Sunwoo, Kendra Scott, Nora Fleming and

HOBO to name a few.

Romine says they try to buy from brands made in the United States, like one of the favorites, Ambre, a top seller made in Indianapolis. Flirt is also one of the largest retailers of Brighton jewelry in northern Indiana according to Romine. The company produces highly collectible jewelry.

Grilling and seasoning products from Bourbon Barrel and honey from Savannah Bee are featured, which expands the giftgiving opportunities inside Flirt. Also available are indoor/outdoor accessories, garden decor, and decorative furnishings to expand indoor living to the outdoors.

“People come from all over the state and outside the state to shop at Flirt,” Romine says. “We are lucky to be a part of beautiful downtown Rochester where we have several restaurants and other shopping opportunities within walking distance.”

Romine is committed to making a difference in the place she has called home and operates a business.

Romine was raised in Akron and her husband, Brian, is from Mentone. After they married, they lived in Rochester for 22 years before moving to the family farm in Mentone, where they built their home.

“It was a wonderful community to raise our children in,” she says.

Romine’s son, Brice, and his wife, Katie, live in Mentone. Their daughter, Brittany, resides in Zionsville with her

WE ARE CURRENTLY BUYING / SELLING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: Gold Jewelry Firearms husband, Nate.

“We are blessed with four beautiful granddaughters and one more on the way,” Romine says. “We look forward to being an active part of the Rochester community once again.”

Romine is committed to helping Rochester grow, flourish and become more welcoming. Hosting customer appreciation events like spa pampering days and ice cream socials, as well as regularly giving back to the customers who support her small business, are important to Romine.

Romine hopes one of these give-back events will become an annual tradition.

“We are putting on the first-ever Flirt Boutique Style Show,” she says. “Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stacey CarveySchoenhals Foundation.”

Carvey-Schoenhals was active in the Rochester community, and known for giving and doing good for others.

“She was also a dear friend to us,” Romine says. “We hope to help continue her legacy by putting on this fun fashion show and having the opportunity to help others like she did. We miss her dearly. I am excited about giving back to the community with this event. It will be a fun dress-up night for the ladies.” at 6:30 p.m. on September 15 at Arlington Public House. Raffles, giveaways, a silent auction and swag bags are planned. Tickets are limited and include dinner. Those wishing to attend may purchase tickets at Flirt or call the store for more information.

The show will focus on Flirt’s new fall and holiday lines. Customers attending the show will be able to place orders for special pieces shown at the event.

Flirt is located at 625 Main Street in Rochester. For more information, call 574-224-4759. Also visit flirtrochester. com or find the boutique on social media, including Instagram and Facebook @ FlirtBoutiqueRochester.