The SWEET BOUTIQUE

Too sweet to stop at one location.

— By Melissa McCance—

Making a substantial business expansion in the midst of a pandemic isn’t an idea most people would jump at, but Danielle Brock isn’t most people! To be accurate, plans to open a sister location to Hillsdale’s popular Small Town Sweet Boutique started before anyone here knew of the coronavirus. “About two years ago, Alexandra [Danielle’s daughter who partners in running the stores] and I went on a drive through downtown Adrian looking for somewhere to expand, and nothing really seemed to fit us,” explains Danielle.

“We wanted to see the new hospital, too,” Danielle continued, “so we’re driving out that way and we went by this building and slammed on our brakes!” The building in question was a barnstyle, freestanding building that had housed a farmers market. Danielle wanted something with a considerable amount of space to allow for more community events. “We have a giant party room there. It can comfortably fit 50 people seated and probably 100 standing. The building is perfect; we couldn’t have built a better one.” The process of purchasing and renovating began, and they announced the new location would open in January 2020. Well, we all know what was right around the corner, and it was actually August 2021 before The Sweet Boutique was able to have its Grand Opening. The opening was hugely successful and the new store’s Facebook page was flooded with positive comments. That was followed up with a special event on the last weekend of September: The Paw Patrol Paw-Looza. Children could meet and mingle with the Paw Patrol characters for no charge, and a portion of the proceeds from the weekend went to the Lenawee County Humane Society. “It was just crazy how many people turned out for that,” said Danielle. “We raised $1000 in two days! I couldn’t believe it, but it was wonderful.”

Free community events that also benefit area nonprofits are favorite projects for Danielle and Alexandra. In October, they hosted “A Night at Hogwarts” which showcased a Harry Potter theme. Money raised at that event was donated to the Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee County. Future events include connecting with Toys for Tots, and area law enforcement departments will bring squad cars to fill with toys and the theme will be Zootopia. In December, the Grinch will make an appearance. “The kids just LOVE the Grinch,” laughed Danielle. “Our Grinch is not scary—he’s a fun Grinch, very lighthearted!” The recipient organization that month will be the Visiting Angels who raise funds for Alzheimer’s patients with an emphasis on veterans.

The extra space at the Adrian location not only allows for bigger special events but also provides more floor space for inventory. Items unique to the new store include specialty chocolates and truffles which have been a huge draw. They carry over 100 varieties of soda in glass bottles, a bulk section that

is three times what they can have in Hillsdale, and space for 48 different flavors of taffy.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hold a private event, consider renting The Sweet Boutique’s party room. This space is available in four-hour increments and is perfect for birthday parties, wedding or baby showers, team banquets, etc. People are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages including a cake. (They do ask that you not bring in outside candy.) The store will provide the room, table linens, and the atmosphere. Customers can also choose from a variety of add-ons including party favors, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, a soda bar, candy bouquets, personalized coloring sheets, and character meet and greets (available for one hour during the party).

Danielle says that community support has been good, including acceptance by the Chamber of Commerce which staged a wonderful ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Word of mouth is helping and we’re working to get it out there that we’re here,” she adds. Fortunately, one thing they haven’t had trouble with is finding employees. High school students from Adrian and Tecumseh are there, as well as some from Siena Heights College.

What has been challenging for Danielle is working out how to split her time between the two stores. Alexandra has relocated to Adrian and is managing that store, but Danielle still needs to be there some of the time and Alexandra sometimes needs to be in Hillsdale, so balancing the schedule can be tricky. And, as is true for so many businesses, supply can be a real issue. “Some things just aren’t coming in, or they’re coming in long after the original order. We’re also learning the best way to divide product between the locations when it does come in.” The Sweet Boutique offers fundraising opportunities for local organizations, clubs, and sports teams. Danielle described some options: “Next spring, if a Little League team wants to come sell snow cones, come sell snow cones! We’ll give you the money, just you do the work. They can make hundreds of dollars. Girl Scouts can sell their cookies here. Anybody who needs an ‘up’ for their community event, come talk to us. We’ll try to help.”

Take time to visit The Sweet Boutique where you’ll find childhood favorites and discover some new treats as well. The store is located at 4497 N. Adrian Highway, and store hours are Tuesday–Thursday, 10 to 6; Friday and Saturday, 10 to 8; Sunday, 10 to 4; closed Mondays. You can reach them by phone at 517-920-4037, by email at sweetboutiqueadrian@gmail.com, or through their Facebook page. The website address is www.sweetboutiqueadrian.com.