Local Business Brings the Bling to Wyandotte

There's something shiny happening on Oak Street, and Wyandotte resident Carol Beck is the reason why.

The long-time businesswoman is the owner of Bling On Boutique, an all-things-sparkly shop that opened just before the holiday shopping season in 2012.

Beck, who had been selling bedazzeled sandals known as Bling On Shoes online since January 2012, says it was a dream she never even knew she had.

"I knew I didn't want to work in corporate America anymore," she said. "I wanted to run my own business. But I didn't want a store."

But Beck soon began to realize that her customers, who were often coming to her house to see the merchandise rather than just purchase it online, did.

"Women are such impulsive buyers," she admitted. "They like to see it, touch it, match up colors."

And there's a lot to see at Bling On Boutique. Though the space is small, it's well-stocked with the traditional blinged-out shoes and accessories, but also clothing, purses and jewelry.

One of Beck's favorite lines are the purses she carries by local designer Jenna Kator, who names her backs after popular Michigan locales.

Beck hand picks every line or piece she carries—but she doesn't see herself as a fashionista.

"You don't know if your style is everyone else's style," she said. "But you have to start somewhere, and you hold your breath."

Luckily, not for long, as business is good at Bling On Boutique. The store sees customers from the teen set to Beck's biggest demographic: middle aged moms looking to jazz up their wardrobe.

"I tend to cator to women over 40," she said. "They're ready to shop and pay attention to themselves."

Beck, a mom to a 23-year old son in the Marines and a 19-year-old-daughter who goes to Wayne State, encourages moms like her to not be afraid of bling.

"There's nothing wrong with having fun with the way you dress," she said. "We're moms our whole life, and all of a sudden, you want to be recognized for something else."

In Beck's case, that identity is clear. She's "The Bling Lady."