It’s almost impossible to miss the big yellow house on the corner of Michigan Street and Wabash Avenue. Built in 1892 as a family home, it served as a rest home and later a fraternity house for Tau Kappa Epsilon at the University of Southern Indiana. Today, it has a new identity as the storefront for Schön Boutique, which moved in last fall, relocating from Franklin Street.
Owner Kelley Borman takes credit for the bright, eye-catching color of the house.
“Who can drive by a house painted yellow and not smile?” she says.
The idea for Schön Boutique came to Borman when she realized her children were getting older and leaving the nest, which left her with a need to have something to do for herself. Noticing a need for a boutique in the area, Borman decided to open Schön in April 2014, giving her new purpose.
She says she enjoys filling the store with unique items and with her new location allowing a quadruple size increase of the boutique, there is something for everyone.
This wide variety of items includes blouses, pants, dresses, outerwear, and various accessories such as hats, purses, and jewelry.
In addition to the new paint outside of the location on the West Side, the interior also received some renovations. Small projects included installing air conditioning and exposing the brick walls and hardwood floors.
“It was a labor of love,” says Borman. “It needed a girly touch.”
Schön also goes beyond clothing; the staff aims to get to know customers on a personal level.
“Our customers have become friends of ours,” says Borman. “Nine out of 10 times, we know their name when they walk in.”
These close connections are formed easily, she adds. Customers gravitate toward the fun-loving and personable staff to ask for help and advice — and to get an honest opinion, says Borman.
Customers also have the chance to receive a private shopping experience. Once the staff learns more about that individual, they are able to select clothing that will appeal to them.
“We want people to feel good about themselves,” says Borman. “We want them to feel beautiful and look good.”
She adds the opportunity is unique for their shoppers, provided at no extra cost, and can occur both during and after business hours. The staff live by the words on Schön Boutique’s logo, says Borman — “Where beautiful happens.”
“I think it’s a fun environment,” she says. “It feels like home.”
For more information about Schön Boutique, call 812-213-8828 or visit schonboutique.com.