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Check Out Mary Brueske’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Brueske.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Home decor has always been an interest as long as I can remember. Growing up in a very modest home, my Mom raised 5 of us on her own struggling to make ends meet so decor wasn’t one of her concerns. Not knowing anything different, I would move furniture and place items strategically around the house making it look ‘pretty’. I remember spending hours in my bedroom making it a sanctuary of my own. Little did I know, home decor would end up being my life’s work and passion, releasing an energy in me unlike any other.

While raising my family, doors opened in the world of home decor and I flourished. I was blessed with employers and mentors who taught me valuable lessons in design, work ethic, and life principles. Hans Hagen, a local builder, was a mentor to me early on and shared with me his philosophy to stand by, “when in doubt, just do the right thing”. That statement alone has proven itself over and over and I carry it into everything I do.

I truly believe we are meant to share the gifts we are given, and to be the best we can be while helping others. With over 35 years experience as a Builders Agent, Showroom Manager, Design Consultant, and Freelance Food Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with homeowners and professionals to craft beautiful residential and commercial spaces.

My favorite aspect of the design process has always been the final touches, and this is where the idea for Bisque Boutique came from. Once the walls are built, floors layed, cabinets and countertops installed, it’s time for the icing on the cake – the accessories and staging. The idea to open a boutique filled with all things “home” brought Bisque Boutique to life.

At Bisque Boutique, we’re dedicated to helping you create a space you’ll love and the feeling it creates when you walk into a room. We offer in-store design support as you browse our hand-picked accessories, displayed to help you envision them in your own space. With a focus on details and new items arriving daily, we provide a unique range of products including home decor, kitchenware, personal care items, gifts, and Christian books and gifts.

We would love for you to visit us, not only for the pretty things, but as many of our customers say, the feeling when they walk in the door. It’s truly a special place.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Along with the joy of owning my boutique there come a few challenges as well, and I continue to learn daily. Finances for one is a stress in itself as I watch my budget dwindle while still needing more of everything. More product, more displays, more signage, more bags & tags, more marketing, and the list goes on. Then there are the technological, logistical, and time management challenges. The creative part comes so easily for me, it’s the other details that consume my time and energy. But with patience and the willingness to dive into unknown territory, I eventually cross another hurdle and find myself strengthened with a sense of accomplishment. Small business ownership isn’t for everyone, especially in the first two years. For me it feels a destined path, challenges and all.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At Bisque Boutique we specialize in hand-selected home decor to enhance and freshen homes of all styles. Our inventory changes daily as do our displays. What makes us unique is the in-store design support we offer to all customers. Simply bring in a picture of the area(s) you would like help stying and we will work with you to create a new or refreshed look. We’ll also show you how to recreate that look when you get back home.

Any big plans?
As we continue on our second year, we hope to continue growing our customer base via referrals and awareness. It’s rewarding when our customers come back repeatedly to add a single item, an entire collection, to purchase a gift, or bring a friend. We also plan to add more events as our customers love the celebrations and specials!

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