Artsy Eastside Lansing Retail Shop Sells in One Day

After languishing on the real estate market for a whopping 24 hours, the 1,2000 square foot Bead Boutique  in Lansing's Eastside neighborhood was snatched up, just in time for its one year anniversary in November.

The Bead Boutique is a friendly space in an Eastside neighborhood increasingly known for its earthy initaitives and laid-back style. The shop, at 2015 E. Michigan,  features sterling silver and Swarovski crystals and all the supplies needed to make necklaces and other jewelry.

Lori Mehigh had frequently stopped in to buy beads to fuel her own passion for bead fashion. When she saw the shop was for sale, she made an offer. Two days later, on August 1st,  the shop was hers.

Originally from Missouri, Mehigh says she decided to open her first business in the Eastside neighborhood because the people are friendly and there's a lot of foot traffic, which is good for business.

In the month since, she has expanded inventory and created several classes. Every Wednesday, she offers a free basic bracelet-making class and throughout the week, more advanced beading classes for $10.

The Bead Boutique also hosts birthday and private parties such as Red Hats' Society get-togethers. To help customers learn beading techniques, Mehigh keeps beading tutorials running on a TV in the back of the shop where people can create their own designs.

Ivy Hughes is the development news editor for Capital Gains. She can be reached at ivy@capitalgainsmedia.com.

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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