Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Fife.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Boujee was founded by Michelle, an air force veteran and registered nurse with a heart for service and a vision for change. After years of caring for others, she knew that wellness isn’t just physical — it’s emotional, financial, and social. In a small city where access to affordable essentials can be limited, she set out to create a place where no one would feel ashamed to ask for help or struggle to afford what they needed for their family. She wanted to help the residence of Fostoria in some way.
She began this business originally with a partner. They have since went their separate ways but still assist each other with projects and business insights.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Running and maintaining Boujee has not been a smooth road. There have been many obstacles and challenges. Boujee has underwent several changes and evolutions to get where she is today. We began as a partnership and now that partnership amicably split. We’ve also undergone several transformations from vendor consignment shop to my full dream of Community Thrift Store. I’ve learned a lot along the way. There’s no clear road map of how to run a boutique style Thrift store so I had to learn at times by making big mistakes.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Boujee Community Thrift Store ?
Boujee began as a hand- made maker’s space where local creators could share and sell their work without financial barriers. It was a consignment shop with tables and very bare minimum decorations. Here area residents could show their work and earn money selling their wares. It quickly evolved into a boutique-style resale and donation space — clean, bright, and filled with treasures that tell a story.
Today, Boujee Community Thrift Store is becoming something even more special: a community access point for basic needs, education, and safe connections. Every sale, donation, and conversation helps sustain the mission — keeping the lights on, the shelves stocked, and the doors open to those who need assistance. Boujee has become a community hub for clothing, gifts, antiques, and so much more, as well as hosting Community events that not only bring people together but also raise charitable funds to serve those who need assistance. Furthermore, Boujee partners with area agencies to provide vouchers for free necessities to the Community such as clothing and housewares.
Currently Boujee is mostly volunteer run. I have mentored my volunteers to run many of the processes that were initially very foreign to them and initially very scary. One of my volunteers runs the entire boutique two days a week while I’m off. My hope is that the boutique can become completely volunteer ran and continue the mission for Fostoria and the surrounding area within the next year.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Currently residence bring in donated items. These items need to be clean, free of rips, stains, or any damage/ breakage and in good working order.
Another way people could assist would be money donations. Currently we have some people that round up their change. This does get used to help buy meals for the holidays for families in need. However, operating expenses are not always easily covered and either i have to cover them with my own money or lately they aren’t getting paid because sales are down.
Shopping in our store would do so much to help us and your neighbors as well. We pay all expenses first, but whatever is left is used to purchase supplies for the shop and then whatever we need to use in the Community. Money rounded up is always used for food donations though.
Facebook is a great platform if used correctly. I post often about products, events, and information about the shop. It really helps us when you like, comment, or share our posts. This gets us ranked higher in the algorithms and tells Facebook we’re worth showing to people. Also inviting your friends and family to our page shares our great mission with others. This way we can help more people
Pricing:
- Shirts $3.00 -4.00
- Jeans $5.00
Contact Info:
