Mobile boutique arrives in Tiffin

From Washington to Ohio, fashion is hitting the road. Lilac & Grace Boutique, a brick-and-mortar shop in Washington state, has launched a mobile shopping destination to serve customers in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Mackenzie Kemenah, a native of the Findlay/Tiffin area and manager of the mobile boutique, said she has worked for the owner of the original Lilac & Grace for a number of years. Kemenah said the store's owner, a family friend, first offered her the opportunity to manage the social media for Lilac & Grace, which she was able to do remotely. That working relationship evolved into the idea of opening a second location, Kemenah said, with her in a management role. She said the idea of a mobile boutique was introduced and considered, and, in August 2023, "we got seriously started talking." In late November/early December 2023, Kemenah said, the truck was purchased that would be transformed into the mobile Lilac and Grace Boutique - an old FedEx box truck with a 14' box on the back. Kemenah said she has been "redoing the truck since then." Work included a full gutting of the truck's interior, adding custom shelving, painting, installing a hanging rack, and creating a dressing room, Kemenah said. "It was a journey," she said. The end result is an "ultimate destination for chic, size-inclusive, fashion finds!" according to a press release. Kemenah said one of the store's biggest accomplishments is offering a selection that will appeal to all age groups, from 17-65. Items available include dresses, trendy tops, athletic wear, and denim from brands KanCan and Judy Blue's, the press release states. In addition, shoes, purses, jewelry and home decor can be found at Lilac & Grace. Customers can "shop with confidence knowing that each item in our boutique is crafted with the utmost attention to detail and quality," according to the release. Clothing is available in sizes small - 3XL, with denim offered in 0-24W, Kemenah said. While mobile boutiques are beginning to trend in other states, Kemenah said, the idea seems to be new to Ohio. She said she is striving to "connect with people in this area" with community outreach, and build recognition in the Tiffin/Findlay area. According to the press release, the boutique has "various pop-up markets scheduled around the NW OH and SE MI areas" to introduce Lilac & Grace to its customer base. In addition, Kemenah said, private events and personalized shopping trips are available by appointment. For more information about Lilac & Grace Boutique, visit @lilacandgracemobile on Instagram, Lilac & Grace Mobile Boutique on Facebook, or email lilacandgracemobil@gmail.com. The boutique accepts cash, credit/debit cards, ShopPay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo. Kemenah said she is excited for the "great opportunity" to open the mobile location of Lilac & Grace, and is very thankful to her boss, Cheri Wheatley of Washington, for her support and guidance.