The wildly popular Village Trends Boutique supports locally owned businesses smartly outfitting women across Northeast Ohio
By Mary Malik
Village Trends Boutique in Chesterland is celebrating its third anniversary. It wasn’t easy having a store less than a year old when the pandemic hit, but Village Trends not only survived, it thrived, adding another store in Chardon in 2019 and a third opening July 2 in Mayfield.
“The last two years were difficult for small businesses, but we got through it and are expanding with a Mayfield boutique,” says owner Elizabeth Tarkowsky. “When I first started this leap of faith in 2018, I couldn’t have dreamed of being where we are now and how many local, female artisans we’d be able to showcase in our stores along with our apparel.”
Elizabeth’s dream of having her own business started after college, when she took her communications degree to work for her father in the insurance business. She quickly figured out two things: She loved the small business atmosphere but not in the insurance business.
“I decided to go back to school and get my MBA,” says Elizabeth. “I graduated in December of 2017. In February I had a child and my mom began months of multiple health issues. I was caring for her, my own family and then lost my mom in September of 2018. It was a terrible year, but I learned something. My future job had to have the flexibility to allow me to be available for my family. Entrepreneurship was my answer.”
After first having success starting her boutique online, Elizabeth took the leap and opened the first Village Trends in Chesterland.
“The funny thing is, I’m not really a fashionista. My 4-year-old daughter, Molly, plans her outfits better than I do,” jokes Elizabeth. “But I love this business and have met so many wonderful women—both customers and local artisans, who I showcase in the stores.”
Village Trends supports locally owned businesses such as Callaluna-Beauty on Purpose, Blue Tortoise Designs, Plum City Designs, You’re the Bomb, M Town Made, Eventfully Made and Lauren Heuer Design.
“Customers know the brands, the quality of the products, and look forward to the new collections,” says Elizabeth. “And they love knowing they are supporting local women’s businesses.”
Elizabeth offers Sip N’ Shop private events where you and your girlfriends can bring drinks and snacks and shop at your leisure after hours. At least eight women must be present, and everyone receives 15% off their clothing purchase.
“We’re also adding events like sign making and other classes,” says Elizabeth. “It’s another way local artists can share their talents.”
After a long winter, Village Trends is bursting with spring collections. Kimonos, cover-ups, summer dresses and accessories are in stores today. Elizabeth describes the style of the clothes as classic with a trendy twist.
“I don’t go overboard with trends,” says Elizabeth. “That’s why we appeal to such a broad age range. Trends can be too specific to one age group or body type. I buy from many different vendors to keep things fresh and have plenty of options for everyone.”
Elizabeth credits much of the success of Village Trends to her loyal and talented staff.
“Some of them have been with me since I opened three years ago and I couldn’t do this without them,” says Elizabeth. “It’s been a team effort and we’re so proud of what we’re offering our local communities.”
The Chesterland Village Trends Boutique location is at 8177 Mayfield Road, 440-688-4104. The Chardon store is located at 105 South Street, 440-214-9449. Order online at VillageTrendsBoutique.com or check out Village Trends Boutique on Facebook and Instagram.