Local women’s boutique throws party for first spring lineup

The local Scout and Molly’s franchise recently opened and is hosting a preview party Saturday.

A local business owner will host a Spring Preview Party for her recently opened women’s fashion boutique this Saturday, featuring personally selected clothing.

Michelle Bowers, owner of the Scout and Molly’s in Issaquah is hosting the party at the Grand Ridge Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the boutique’s daily operating hours. Previously, Bowers was a vendor of girls’ hair accessories while working as a correspondent for Parenting, Entertainment Weekly, and People Magazine.

“I really loved it, it was so much fun,” Bowers said. “But the 2008 recession hit a lot of boutiques that I sold to, so I hung up the business.”

Bowers and her husband have been working to open Scout and Molly’s since mid-2016 and were potentially looking at other fitness-based businesses. After meeting with the Scout and Molly’s corporate team, Bowers said the choice was clear.

“I described [opening the business] as ‘all the feels,’” Bowers said with a laugh. “Literally any feeling you can think of it’s been that. It’s been exciting and intimidating and sometimes boring when there’s not many customers.”

Bowers has chosen stripes, paisley prints, flowy stylish tops and distressed denim for this season in the Issaquah area. The event will feature snacks, drinks, an opportunity to browse all new spring merchandise and a raffle for a gift bag with a $250 gift card. Additionally, customers will receive a gift with every purchase while supplies last.

“We’re getting really excited about how to style something or pair clothes together,” Bowers said. “This is our first spring and all we’ve had until now is a lot of coats and sweaters. This is really a lot of fun. It’s a whole new thing. The store looks completely different now, and we’re excited for it.”

Bowers added that her kids are most excited for the M&Ms.

So far, the Issaquah community has been completely welcoming, Bowers said, with neighboring businesses helping by lending a drill or a partnered promotional event.

“We’re Eastside people,” Bowers said. “I love the feeling of community here.”

According to Bowers, she and her husband spent about a year and a half looking for the right location and finally decided on Issaquah at 927 Northeast Park Drive.

Bowers added that she is excited to help locals save a trip to the mall by providing a local option for fashionable clothing.

“Of course we can’t provide everything that Nordstroms can,” Bowers said. “But if you just need a pair of legging, or a little gift or a quick dress for that dinner party tonight, hopefully you can come to us and we can save you a trip.”