Hidden Gems: Meet Shar Michele of Dorothy’s Pearl

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shar Michele.  

Hi Shar, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I started out as a mobile boutique under a completely different name. However, it was my first time opening a store so I was feeling my way through the process. I thought if my name is under a dba and I paid for the website, no one else could use it. However, I was very wrong. About 3 months into the business, someone else started using my name. People were telling me that they looked on my site and I had this and that which I did not. I then did a search and discovered someone else was using the name. I decided in 2018 to rebrand and I decided to do it under my grandmother’s name which is Dorothy Pearl. My children’s godmother and good family friend (who has also been a pivotal support system in my life) has the name Dorothy as well, so it seemed very fitting. Once I changed the name my husband gutted and rebuilt the inside of the trailer to represent the aesthetic that best fit my brand. The boutique was beginning to gain momentum, and I was getting calls and messages to do events all over Detroit. Then the pandemic hit, and it slowed down everything. So, I took that time to complete my Bachelor and my Master Degree. As well as have another child. So, my schedule was beyond busy. During the pandemic it also allowed lower-cost clothing sites to thrive making it more challenging for mom-and-pop boutiques to stay afloat. Especially one such as mine that gained its success from word of mouth and doing events in the spring and summer. So, I needed to figure out what was next for Dorothy’s Pearl. After praying on it, I was guided to focus less on the Boutique and more on the Brand. I went through the process of getting both my name and business trademarked and became fully registered as a brand in April 2023. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles was figuring out my target demographic. The next thing was figuring out where I belonged. I spent thousands just trying to nail down who Dorothy’s Pearl was meant for. 

We’ve been impressed with Dorothy’s Pearl, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Dorothy’s Pearl is a lifestyle brand primarily focused on the busy woman. Rather they are a mom, wife, or auntie. Dorothy’s Pearl is a one-stop shop for the busy woman on the go. The brand currently focuses on branded items. Such as sunglasses and bags. We’re also branching out into other items that I think our audience will enjoy. 

What sets us apart is that we are still on wheels and do still go out to events. I want to get to know the people that shop with us and build a rapport. It’s not just about them being a customer, I want them to feel like we are family. The part of my brand I’m most proud of is really the definition of Pearl. Pearl is a person or thing of great rarity and worth. Every woman on this earth is rare; there isn’t one woman the same as the next. We all look different, speak different, and have a different unique flavor we bring to the table. We are of great worth, and I want to make every person that shops with Dorothy’s Pearl feel just how priceless they are. 

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
The initial thought to open a store started with me and my mom wanting to make clothing for little woman. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dorothyspearl.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dorothyspearl

Image Credits
Zeb Stewart