New boutique to open in the Elmwood Village

        

by Amber Bivins

As summer approaches, the streets of Buffalo are flooded with students, restaurant’ seekers, and shoppers alike. Among the most popular shopping areas in the city is Elmwood Avenue.

Michelle Voit, a Buffalo native, has recently undertaken a life-changing project.

“I have never been more terrified in my life, I have never had so little sleep, but I have never been happier,” she said.

Village Designs Elmwood it set to open in May and is currently undergoing renovations. With merchandise planned to be in by next week, Voit can be found fashioning her boutique into a reality.

“I was on my knees doing the flooring, we painted the walls, and so I’ve done it all. From design to implantation, it’s been a project,“ Voit said.

With high ceilings, decorative chandeliers, and new vinyl flooring, the boutique’s aesthetic begins to form as the opening approaches.

“My landlord put up the walls for the dressing room and store room. I had to hire an electrician. My brother helped with the floors. Other than that it’s been my dad and I,” she said.

Village Designs Elmwood will offer designer brands, most of which are not currently offered in the Buffalo area. Celebrity favorites including Black Orchid Denim and Rails Clothing are just a few that will stock the floor.

“I want to find that niche that wants something different and not what everybody carries,” Voit said.

Located at 448 Elmwood Ave, near Bryant Street, Village Designs Elmwood is in an up and coming area for retailers. With the closing of the Women and Children’s Hospital expected in the next year or two, many changes will be made to this area of The Elmwood Village.

“My thought is that it will most likely turn into high-end lofts and some retail space, from what I’ve heard,” said local business owner Jon Howe.

“This side of the street is going to be more developed and I think that it’s getting there. There are a lot of buildings that contractors have purchased and are now renovating,” Howe said.

Although no final decisions have been made about the plan for site once the hospital relocates, Voit hopes retail expansion is in the future.

 “It’s a big investment for myself, especially doing this on my own, but I wouldn’t give it back for anything, I’m so excited and I think it’s an asset to the area!”

Village Designs Elmwood will join the many other retail stores on the Elmwood strip this summer, and plans to share the same success. The grand opening will be held May 5. The store can be found on Facebook and villagedesignselmwood.com.

Inspired by these words from designer Kate Spade, Voit ventures on this new journey with hopes of sharing her styles and love of fashion with the Buffalo community.

“Dress-up begins at age 5 and never truly ends.”