The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
BRITASH BOUTIQUE & SPA OPENS IN MENTOR
New business is a family affair for Concord Twp. residents
The Olson family isn’t part of the famous Kardashian clan but they don’t mind pointing out some similarities. Both are drawn to the world of beauty and fashion and have coupled that interest with the business world.
Britash, a new boutique recently opened at 9326 Mentor Ave., is the result of the creative efforts of the Olsons — father Michael, mother Christie, daughters Brittanie and Ashleigh (after whom the store was named), son Michael Ashton and family friend Peggy Adams.
The Olsons, of Concord Township, pooled their varied talents and experiences to establish the shop offering beauty products, clothing, jewelry, gifts and more. Additionally, spa services such as facial treatments, dermaplaning, waxing, spray tanning and make-up applications are available.
“We wanted to offer a whole unique experience of well-being,” Christie said.
Christie has a background in modeling, fashion and make-up while Brittanie and Adams are licensed estheticians. Ashleigh’s training in business couples with her father’s expertise. He serves as vice-president of sales and business development for New York-based Quality King Distributors Inc., a company dealing with cosmetics, beauty supply and personal care products.
Ashleigh, 21, and Brittanie, 23, are graduates of Lake Catholic High School where Michael Ashton is a senior. Parents Michael and Christie attended Mentor High. The couple lived in Boca Raton, Fla., for a time before moving back to Lake County.
Upon entering Britash, patrons will find fashions brought in from Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, along with a wide assortment of gifts including items for babies. Toward the rear of the establishment two spa rooms for treatments are adjacent to a lounge area with comfortable seating.
The freestanding building formerly housed Rich’s Lounge and has been completely renovated.
“This (building) is a landmark in Mentor,” Adams said. “People are excited to see that it’s being made into something so beautiful.”
The western portion of the building is currently being renovated for a Britash expansion. Goods for men will be sold and “Sweet Britash” carrying specialty candy treats and beverages is planned to be presented.
Ashleigh added that finding
the right location for their shop was key during the planning stages.
“We wanted Mentor more than anything and this wasn’t just your runof-the-mill strip center,” she said.
The Olsons noted that the mix of classical elegant and modern décor along with an unhurried, relaxed vibe is reminiscent of a resort or vacation destination.
While one shopper perused the store he commented that “it feels like Rodeo Drive or Beverly Hills.”
The business’s mission
statement --“To feel not only beautiful on the outside but the most beautiful on the inside”—is carried through by the staff’s willingness to help and provide personal attention.
“We want you to feel pampered, special, relaxed,” Brittanie said. “We want (patrons) to feel comfortable coming here and not be intimidated.”
Danielle Holley and Maddie Frate, both of Concord Township, appeared at ease while shopping on a recent weekday afternoon.
Holley, who plans to attend Bowling Green State
University in the fall, said that she found there was something for everyone on her list.
Frate, a senior at Lake Catholic, said the staff “definitely cared about helping you” and that there was nothing quite like Britash in the area.