Beauty in the Chaos — Keaton Frees, Merilou Boutique

Sarah Martin has been an entrepreneur for over a decade. In light of this, each month we speak with exceptional women entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. What are they passionate about? What drives them to be successful? What tips can they give us to start our own businesses? Each Beauty in the Chaos feature takes a look at behind the scenes of each of these gals’ lives.

This month, we interviewed Keaton Frees, co-owner of Merilou Boutique, a unique store with designer goods located in Wayzata, Minn. In this feature, Keaton shares her advice for women entrepreneurs and what it’s like to own an upscale boutique in the Minnetonka area.

What prompted you to open Merilou Boutique back in 2014? Were you involved in fashion before? 

I was actually in Interior design! I have always loved fashion. My husband & I took a trip to Nashville in July of ‘14. We went into a boutique full of all my favorite brands. I told him I would love to have this in Wayzata. He responded, “do it.” So, I did! We opened in October of that same year.

What advice do you have for women who are looking to open their own business?

Know your product & who your customers are. Which in retail isn’t always easy! But, if it’s your dream. Go for it!

What do you enjoy the most about being a co-owner of Merilou, and why?

I get to hang out in my dream closet all day 🙂 with friends. I love seeing all of our customers, I think of them as friends. So many familiar faces, which is the best. I hope they feel the same way.

Do you have a favorite designer?

In the store my favorites are n:philanthropy & McGuire. I tend to like edgier pieces.

Where do you go for fashion inspiration?

Oh gosh in my business it’s everywhere I look. Instagram, market, magazines, my customers.

Do you have any events coming up that our audience should know about?

A new monogram bag line we just picked up. I’ll let you know the date ASAP.

Also…my daughter does capsule trunk shows at the store four times a year for teen girls. It’s called @babbleandsaddle. She picks out a collection at market with me & sells it. That will be Sunday, April 22.

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