A Heartfelt Passion That Blossomed Into A Unique Boutique

Not long ago, Holly Young of River Edge, was commuting to Manhattan to meet the fast paced demands as president and owner of a busy graphic arts company that specialized in packaging for well-known cosmetic brands. Her company took up two floors, employed more than 70 people and boasted clients like Channel, Revlon, Estée Lauder, Avon and others. 

 “All that began to change about five years ago with the ‘cock-eye’ economy,” recalls Holly. “Suddenly we lost our biggest client, then others followed because they started to use their own in-house staff instead of hiring us. We couldn’t keep up with our expenses and finally had to close our doors.”

So what does a graphics artist do after 40 years of experience? “It took me a while to find my own rhythm,” she recalls. “I felt guilty not going to work every day.” 

With her expertise in regulatory issues associated with cosmetic packaging, Holly began a successful consulting business providing guidance to some of the same clients she had lost. But, it was not enough to satisfy her creative needs. 

In the summer of 2011, Holly decided to pursue a dream she always had, and opened a unique boutique that celebrates all things hearts and flowers. It didn’t take long for Blooming Hearts Treasure Shop in Westwood to blossom. “There was never going to be a better time to follow the passion I had since I was a little girl,” she explains. “I never had retail experience, but I ran my own business, so that helped tremendously.” 

Located in a converted Victorian home across from the Westwood movie theater, Blooming Hearts is a bountiful reflection of Young’s lifelong passion for flowers, and hearts, of course. Browsing through four beautifully displayed rooms, shoppers can find handcrafted wearable art and accessories, elegant decorative items for the home, luxurious bath and body products, goodies for the garden, one-of-a-kind gifts and keepsakes and more.

Everything Holly sells has either a hearts or flower design, and many items are handmade from local artisans. What’s more, Holly has created a warm and inviting shopping experience by offering free beverages and decadent goodies, seating arrangements to stop and relax, and other unique touches. There’s even a play area for children.

 “We want to give back to our shoppers by offering a friendly, memorable experience,” she explains. “When shoppers come in and say they are taking a ‘quick’ look around, I laugh to myself because our visitors easily spend an hour or so browsing our four rooms.”    

On Saturday, July 28, Blooming Hearts will celebrate its first anniversary with a number of activities planned throughout the day. In her usual warm and friendly manner, Holly invites you join the fun.

To learn more about Blooming Hearts and the anniversary festivities, go to www.bloomingheartsshop.com. Blooming Hearts is located on 175 Center Avenue, Westwood, NJ.

Want to read more about women who are reinventing themselves to pursue their passions? Go to www.amorejourney.com/blog