At any given time, a customer can walk into Bella Chic Boutique in the Cypress Village Shopping Center to a pleasant aroma of fresh flowers. Yanet Perez, owner of Bella Chic, replaces the many vases around her store weekly, a testament to her attention to detail as are her hand-picked selections of women’s apparel. Bella Chic first opened its doors in late 2014.
Perez tries to stay within a sophisticated look for women of all ages. Bella Chic boasts a variety of brands including high quality items found in only places like Nordstrom and Anthropologie such as the well-known Voluspa Candles and Deux Lux handbags and clutches. Apparel is sourced from the U.S. from companies like Ark & Co. and Lush. In addition to the women’s apparel, handbags, and candles, Bella Chic has collections of swimsuits, fine jewelry, and home decor.
“It’s not just about the clothes or fashion,” said Perez, “we also carry other things. Looking for a quick birthday gift? We want to be that store that comes to mind.”
Perez, familiar with the town as a resident, chose Miami Lakes as the first location of her boutique named after her daughter, Bellamei. Despite the ease with which Perez runs Bella Chic, the store did not come into being overnight. Perez is involved in real estate and lending but hoped to devote her time into a project close to her heart.
“I wanted to do something different, something more fulfilling, something that I love,” said Perez. “The store is a lot of work, but you get to meet people and you get to help the community.”
As part of building relationships with shoppers, there are frequent happy hour days with wine and cupcake desserts that accompany shoppers throughout the month and Perez has worked with charities for fundraisers such as the Holtz Children’s Hospital which received 10 percent of the store’s profit during a shopping event. Plans are in the works to open a second store following the success of the Miami Lakes location.
Shopping hours are Mondays through Fridays from noon to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store is closed Sundays. For more information visit the store at 7329 Miami Lakes Drive, call 786-294-1500, or follow on Instagram at @shopbellachic.