A longtime dream has become a stylish new reality with the opening of Blush Boutique and Merle Norman Cosmetics, bringing fashion and beauty together under one roof.
Tracy McAllen
Owner Tracy McAllen recently celebrated the business with a Knoxville Chamber ribbon-cutting surrounded by family, friends, staff and community supporters.
“Blush Boutique is a fashion-forward ladies boutique, and it offers styles for every occasion from casual to career and everything in between,” McAllen said. “Our goal is to always help women find the complete look from head to toe.”
The boutique may be new, but McAllen is no newcomer to the beauty and fashion industries. She previously worked in the cosmetics industry as a regional business consultant and as a cosmetics buyer. Opening a boutique had long been a dream, making the ribbon-cutting more than simply another business milestone.
McAllen credited friends, family and mentors with helping bring that dream to life. She gave special thanks to Janice Ann, former owner of Janice Ann Fashions, whom she described as “a true friend, a mentor, and a buying consultant.” The two first met years ago when McAllen modeled for her at the Powell-area store on Emory Road.
She also recognized her Blush Boutique and Merle Norman staff and thanked longtime friend Yvonne, who helped prepare the Merle Norman portion of the business. McAllen saved a special thank-you for her husband, recalling the late nights he spent at the store installing locks, working on ceilings and tackling the many behind-the-scenes jobs that come with opening a business.
Knoxville Chamber representative Ashleigh Griffin praised McAllen’s investment in the community and noted that the business employs four people.
“Thank you for the job that you create. Thank you for helping us all be a little more stylish,” she said.
For McAllen, Blush Boutique combines years of experience with a dream she never quite put away — and now customers get to enjoy the result.
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Read the previous New Business Spotlight features on KnoxTNToday.
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