Meet Jennifer Ryle of The Eve and Annie Boutique

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Ryle. 

Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Eve and Annie Boutique can be found in Tecumseh and Dexter Michigan. We provide an experience where you can discover the latest in clothing and accessories. Everything curated has a point of difference. A place where you can find your personal style. 

My entrepreneurial journey began when I was three. One of my favorite memories was playing shops with my Nana, Eve. I was so happy that I found her that right pair of shoes in my pretend store. I did however find out later, I sold her own shoes back to her. But the joy of helping her find something she loved ignited my spark for helping people. 

I have always believed clothing can have a powerful effect on how you feel. That right piece of clothing can really give you that extra piece of confidence, it can help us express our identity and personality. 

I grew up in Australia and throughout school I was inspired with many business ideas, shared them with family and friends (I’m sure I drove them crazy), dreaming one day I would have my own store. After studying Marketing at University, I worked in the fashion industry both in Australia and England. I did everything from sales, marketing, buying, and merchandising. But the dream and the passion to have my own business never went away. 

Fast forward to being married with two young kids in the US, I still had my dream. Sensing my hesitancy of always trying to find the right time, my husband told me, there is no perfect time. Now was the time to do it. He did not want me to live with regret. 

Starting with a website and selling at various markets, I wanted to curate a look of clothing and accessories that had not been seen in Michigan before. The markets were successful, customers loved what they bought, and it was a fantastic way to research what products to offer. 

One day, there was a vacant store in downtown Tecumseh, where I always loved to visit and wander through its shops. It was my blank canvas for my first store. Finally, when I opened, it felt “right.” This was what I was supposed to be doing.

Since opening in Tecumseh, I now have a second store in Dexter. Another great community with a gorgeous downtown. The Dexter store is coming up on its 1-year anniversary. Our third store is our website. (By the way…we offer free shipping in the US!) 

When you visit these stores, I want you to be inspired. New stock comes in constantly and each piece has that ‘little detail’ that makes it something a bit different. We also pride ourselves on customer service. My team and I love to help you find that dress for your next event, some cute tops to update your wardrobe, or have you leave the store with the most comfortable and stylish jeans you have ever had. 

What I love is getting messages from customers letting me know how happy they are with their “new look,” or how they “can always find something different, not something you see everywhere else”. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Just like everyone, navigating through covid was a challenge. There were a lot of sleepless nights. My amazing customers kept on coming back time and time again and bringing friends and family with them. I would really like to thank them for that. 

The other struggle I have is finding the balance between work and family. Mom guilt does happen, but I really want to impart with my kids the entrepreneurial spirit and that it is okay to take risks in pursuit of your passion. I have learnt so much in this journey and will continually learn. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Stores are now offering men’s clothes as well as women’s. We wanted to share the love for fashion with those special guys in your life. So far, this has been going really well and I hope we can expand the range further. 

A question I always get asked is “who are Eve and Annie?” They were two chic women who lived in Australia, loved to entertain, and always did it in style. Eve was my Nana. She was a seamstress and had impeccable style. Annie was my grandma. She loved fashion and made many accessories for me. Both were loving, hardworking, and fun. A favorite pastime for them was traveling, entertaining or spending a day at the beach. The boutique’s name is an ode to them. 

Store locations 

8118 Main St, Dexter 

102 W Chicago Boulevard, Tecumseh 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theeveandannieboutique.com
• Instagram: @eveandannieboutique
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theeveandannieboutique

Image Credits
Kaptured by Lisa Kahler Photography
Jennifer Ryle