‘The best version of yourself’: Styled by Blake brings one-of-a-kind fashion to Oscoda
Blake York believes fashion is about more than looking good; it’s also about feeling good.
“When you look good, you feel good,” York said. “You can be the best version of yourself. It’s not just about buying and wearing clothes. It’s about how it changes your day-to-day life.”
York explains this is her “why” in running a boutique in downtown Oscoda.
“We want the women shopping in our store to feel confident and beautiful.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, York was working as an X-ray and CT technician at MyMichigan Medical Center (formerly Ascension St. Joseph Hospital) in Tawas. Although she loved helping patients, the virus was overwhelming.
“We had to do X-rays daily to check lung function, and it became so sad and draining,” York said. “I knew I needed a positive outlet. I didn’t have any other hobbies, but I’ve always been excited about fashion and clothing and putting outfits together.
“I talked to some other girls who’d done boutiques and we started a side business. It went really well. I started with a lot of live selling on Facebook and customers reacted well to the clothing I picked. That’s when I decided to leave healthcare.”
The change gave York an opportunity to continue helping others, but in a completely different way.
“I loved making them feel confident and good about themselves, and showing them how to pair things together for their body shape,” she said. “I loved that feel-good energy.”
The business grew quickly. York eventually started inviting shoppers to her home to browse her inventory.
“They loved shopping in-person,” she said. “We decided, not just for storage, but also so we could travel and have people shop, we renovated an old school bus into a mobile boutique. We’d do shows and the ladies would all come on the bus. They seemed to enjoy that so much.”
The next step? A storefront.
“When you’re on a computer, you might know a name, but you won’t know them when you see them in public,” York said of the transition. “This is my first full year open in the storefront, and I love being right next door to a coffee shop (Sunrise Cava Café). It’s busy all the time and helps bring in a ton of business. We’re in the absolute perfect location.”
That location is 118 E. River Road.
“We’re right by the beach,” York said. “It’s nice to come to work and see the beach and hear the water.”
The women’s clothing boutique focuses on mature, trendy and unique styles, with a range typically between 35 and 55.
“We’re known for our denim; really good, stretchy, comfortable denim,” York said. “I like to carry super unique pieces, whether those are tops, shoes, handbags. I really try to offer things you’re not going to find anywhere else.”
This year, the focus is on building a rapport with visitors.
“I’m excited to see some of those customers coming back and treating themselves while they’re on vacation.”
For updated hours and more information, visit facebook.com/styledbyblake.