Follow your dream and see what happens.
Lake Leelanau St. Mary graduate Emily Grant is jumping into the retail space as over the weekend she opened Cherry Anne Boutique located right on the Lake Leelanau Narrows.
“My friends and family have been such a big help ... My brother made the sign up front with the help of my dad, and it just looks so great, and I couldn’t be more happy,” Grant said. “Many local businesses from around the community have reached out and sent kind words to me, and it means so much.,” Grant’s dream has always been to own a business, but she didn’t think it would happen this soon.
Grant worked for Katie and Leonard Graham for the past two years. Her plan was to gain experience then when the opportunity presented itself Grant would start her own store.
“Then it just happened to work out where (Leelanau Lavender) was moving away ... It all happened pretty fast. It was supposed to happen this coming May (2025),” Grant said.
Grant had less than three months to get everything going for the new Lake Leelanau retail store, the former store Leelanau Lavender.
“Seeing all of your dreams come to life. It’s like, wow, all that hard work just really pays off, you know,” Grant said.
Grant celebrated a grand opening Saturday with friends, family, and new customers. There were cupcakes from Hannah’s right next door.
Born and raised on the family’s Leelanau cherry farm is where she got the inspiration for the name including that her middle name is Anne.
Cherry Anne Boutique will pride itself in local products including Lake Leelanau specific items including shirts, sweatshirts, and more. She will also be specializing in women’s clothing along with a little bit of everything else.
“It’s nice to open in November. I have a lot of locals who are awesome, and they came on the first day and their support meant so much to me,” Grant said.
Cherry Anne Boutique’s hours heading into winter are Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grant also got engaged to her high school sweetheart Brandon Hobbs in October, which made it an even busier month.
“Seeing my dreams and goals come to life is truly something I will never forget. I am so grateful for everyone who came to the grand opening, that support alone means so much to me. I am so thankful for every well wishes, hugs, and messages,” Grant said.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect opening in the slower season, but that exceeded all my expectations. This dream of mine came to reality yesterday and all the hard work and late nights getting the store ready paid off. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you to my family and friends, Thank you to my fiancé. Your support means the world to me.”
