Lion and Blue is a popular local business in Lakewood located on Detroit Avenue in the city’s center. Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars, the store offers a variety of products, including jewelry, clothes, shoes, and more. Whether looking for a gift or shopping for yourself, there’s something for everyone.
Lion and Blue attracts many wandering potential customers into the store with eye-catching window displays emphasizing the environment you can find. Fun, playful props draw in passers-by. Wrapped presents are showcased during the holidays, making it clear that Lion and Blue is a great place to shop for Christmas gifts. The gift of giving is right at your fingertips as you walk through the door.
Tina Dolatowski, the owner of Lion and Blue, noted that many people don’t know how the store has stayed in business for almost 30 years. Most small businesses fail. Only about 25% remain successful after the first 15 years, but Lion and Blue has nearly doubled that. Not only has it stayed in business, it have stayed successful almost the entire time.
“You have to build up your business,” Dolatowski said. Starting a business is no easy task; you begin with nothing and have to turn it into something. Dolatowski’s continual passion and determination have contributed to the business’s longevity.
You must ensure that the products you sell are what people want to buy. Many of Dolatowski’s products are handmade, bringing life to each item. Her tactic of using hand-crafted items has come in handy, and it’s something almost everyone can appreciate.
For a business to prosper, however, more than just great products are required—customer service matters too. At Lion and Blue, customers are greeted warmly, and employees are eager to help with any questions.
“We [give] great customer service,” Dolatowski said, emphasizing the importance of a customer feeling comfortable.
Although Lion and Blue is successful, they have gone through a few rough patches. COVID was difficult for many businesses, and Lion and Blue was no exception. Nearly one-third of small businesses closed during the pandemic, but Lion and Blue survived, turning to new methods of product distribution.
“We did a lot of deliveries in the area,” Dolatowski said. “I worked harder during COVID. I was here all day taking pictures of things and putting them on social media.”
Even through all these rough patches, Lion and Blue was able to stay strong and keep itself in business.
Lion and Blue’s welcoming atmosphere sets it apart. Lakewood High School freshman Elizabeth Spear, an avid shopper, described her experience:
“The environment is calm. It’s a very amazing local store. I enjoy shopping there.”
Another shopper, freshman Juliette Winter-Fox, praised the store’s jewelry:
“The quality of the rings and the jewelry is good.”
This store has products for everyone. If at first glance it may seem like this business isn’t for you, take a few minutes to look around; you will soon realize there’s something you connect with. There is beauty in these hand-crafted goods.
“What’s so awesome about this store is I can have a grandma, her daughter, and her daughter’s daughter,” Dolatowski said. “I can have three generations coming in here, and all three of them are going to find something suitable for them.”
“I would recommend, it’s fun for gift giving and also to shop around,” Spear said, showing that she believes anybody can find something in the store.
Lion and Blue’s employees live up to the same high standards set and displayed by Datalowski.
“The workers are always nice, I like most of the workers since they all have the same vibe,” Winter-Fox stated.
“The service would be a 10/10 because they always ask how I’m feeling, they are always very friendly,” Spear said.
Lion and Blue does its best to make everyone feel like they are a part of the community, always welcoming new customers and ensuring everyone gets the excellent quality products and service they deserve.
