This October, Grand Ridge Plaza welcomes a new boutique for women’s apparel called Scout and Molly’s. This will be the only the second Scout and Molly’s in Washington state. Though a franchise, each Scout and Molly’s reflects the personality of its owner. Let’s get to know owner Michelle Bowers, while she prepares to open her first retail store.
Where are you from and what brought you here?
My husband and I live in Bellevue, Bridle Trails to be precise. We’ve been here for seven years. Originally, I’m from California but my husband and I lived in Westport, CT before we moved to the Eastside for –surprise!– a Microsoft job.
Have you been in the fashion business long?
I’ve worked at Nordstrom two different times: once in college, and just recently in Bellevue in the handbag department. I had my own accessories business which I started in 2006. I designed and produced girls’ hair accessories and sold them to stores like BabyStyle, Fred Segal and Nordstrom. I absolutely loved the creativity of that. I’ve since moved on to jewelry design and plan to sell my own necklaces in the store. (It will be hyper *hyper* local!)
Why Scout and Molly’s?
We looked at three business to buy and Scout & Molly’s immediately jumped out. I loved the feel of the boutique, the non-judgmental culture, and the ability for me to be creative with the business.
Will you be working in the store?
Yes! I will have a full-time manager but plan to be in the store daily. This is my baby!
What are your hopes and dreams in opening this store?
I hope we are here in Issaquah Highlands for many years to come. I hope that Scout & Molly’s will be a fun place for women in the neighborhood to feel welcome and find fun, unique clothes that make them feel good. Plus, we’ll have wine.
The Grand Ridge Plaza Scout and Molly’s will be on Park Drive NE next door to Francesca’s.
The Scout & Molly’s brand was founded by Lisa Kornstein Kaufman in 2002. The store was named after her beloved Labrador retrievers. In 2008, Kornstein found out that she had multiple sclerosis, a cause she passionately supports. Scout and Molly’s is now in over 50 locations nation-wide.
Photo: Welcome to Issaquah Highlands, Michelle Bowers!
