–by Linda Szyskowski
creative oxygen
PUBLICATION DATE: Dec 18, 2018
Kati Thompson is one super busy lady! The owner of Eden Fashion Boutique stores in downtown Sylvania and Bowling Green, she also teaches a class at BGSU, and is the mother of six children between the ages of 7 and 13 — four biological and two foster children that she and her husband are adopting. How does she do it all? Kati laughed, “My philosophy is that it’s ok to do the hard things, and I try to live by that.”
Kati received her marketing degree from BGSU and went on to work in organizational development before deciding to stay home with her growing family. Frustrated that TJ Maxx was the only local women’s clothing store in BG where the Thompsons now lived, Kati approached her husband with the idea of opening her own boutique women’s store there, even though she had no formal training or background. Armed with her innate sense of intuition and style, she made Google her best friend and went to apparel markets in cities like LA and Las Vegas to learn what she needed to do to make her dream happen. Her supportive, entrepreneurial husband helped Kati put together a business plan and an application for a loan through the Economic Development Office in Wood County.
With the BG store up and running and doing well, Kati happened to meet Jane Wurth of Ragazza. Jane loved the Eden concept and thought it was just what Sylvania needed in the downtown retail mix. Then the Lily Whitestone store became available on Main Street.
“Coming to Sylvania was an easy decision,” said Kati. “I love the supportive community and all the events that happen downtown. That’s very helpful for building business.” Her passion is to make women feel beautiful and to have her customers feel welcome and comfortable at the store. Although Eden’s sweet spot is ages 25-45, women of all ages love the fashion. Kati chooses transitional styles at mid-range prices that work at home as well as in a social setting — always with an eye for items her customers cannot find at other area stores. With great customer service and the right product mix, Eden has found a winning combination.
Sylvania AdVantage, in cooperation with Creative Oxygen, invites you to visit Kati and her staff at Eden Fashion Boutique on Main Street and check out their unique yet sensible look. Kati is a member of the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Sylvania Association.