Business & Tech

Owner's Path to Open Glitzy Boutique Not Exactly Crystal Clear

Shelby Township native ditches the housing industry to open trendy accessories boutique.

When the housing market tanked in 2008, residential landscape designer Jennifer Petrucci knew she needed to find a new and profitable way to use her eye for beauty.

Fast forward four years later, and Petrucci, 51, is adorned in jewels and sitting behind the register of her new fashion accessories store, , in Shelby Township.

“At my age, I can’t wait 10 more years for that business to turn around. My God, I don’t want to work until I’m 90. I want to have some fun. I have been working since I was 16,” she said.

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While Petrucci admits she’s having a blast collaborating with her daughters Suzy, 23, and Julianna, 26, buying and selling glamorous costume jewelry, handbags and hair accessories out of their posh boutique on Van Dyke Avenue, her path to the opening a jewelry store wasn’t crystal clear.

When Petrucci’s business designing elaborate landscapes for new homes came to a screeching halt after 31 years, she began renting booth space at Gibraltar Trade Center, an open public market in Mount Clemens, to display her portfolio and bring in new businesses.

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“I quickly realized this (Gibraltar Trade Center) was not a place for service. These people have 20 bucks and they want to buy something for themselves,” said Petrucci.

That’s when the idea to sell fun, affordable costume jewelry that “makes people feel good” came to Petrucci.

Three days a week, Petrucci began displaying and selling jewelry ranging from everyday bracelets, rings and watches to sparkly bridal sets at Gibralter Trade Center.

Once business kicked off, and Petrucci got a feel for what sells, she decided to move her business to her hometown.

“I didn’t want to drive far because gas was so expensive and I love Shelby. I have lived here my whole life,” she said. “I went to Ike.”

While Petrucci and her daughters take turns manning their part-time booth at Gibraltar and running Glitzy Boutique, she said her ultimate hope for the store is to provide an affordable and fun service in Shelby and leave a legacy for her daughters.

“This will be good for my kids someday. If this turns out the way I want it to, it will work out for all of us to be able to fall back on it,” she said.

When asked if Petrucci was apprehensive about her new business venture, she didn’t hesitate to say no.

“I wasn’t nervous because I knew I had to make this work. It will make it eventually as more people know I’m here.”

You can find more articles from this ongoing series, “Dispatches: The Changing American Dream” from across the country at The Huffington Post.


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