Ella Blū: Faces of the Foothills
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It’s unlikely that Courtney Lyons could have predicted more than 20 years ago that the custom handbag business she started in a small space on Hickory’s Union Square would become the fashion juggernaut it is now. With her degree and background in interior design, she launched Ella Blū, a women’s apparel and accessories boutique, in late 2003 and hasn’t looked back.
“My mission is to empower women through fashion by offering high-quality, stylish and unique clothing that celebrates individuality, boosts confidence and promotes self-expression,” Lyons says. “I strive to create a personalized shopping experience with exceptional customer service.” Clearly, her mission has been a success so far, as the business continues to grow at a healthy clip.
“In 2007, I moved the store to a much larger building, but still on Union Square,” she says. “What began as a one-man show with me doing all of the buying, merchandising and in-store sales has grown tremendously. We now have a team of six who help handle not just sales and merchandising, but also an all-encompassing social media presence as well as an e-commerce business. My manager, Sara Wimmer, is an invaluable part of the team and my right-hand woman. Her knowledge and expertise in social media has put @shopellablu on the map.”
That continued success means Ella Blū will now offer franchise opportunities, with the first one opening this fall. It all speaks to how Lyons has hoped to impact her clients – helping them feel better about themselves.
“When you look good, you feel good,” she says, “and helping curate outfits and a great wardrobe can make you feel like a confident and refreshed woman.”
https://issuu.com/lakenormancurrents/docs/hickory_living_may_2025
