ESTEVAN — V.S. Style Boutique was born in mid-2021. Originally a small online project, it was always meant to grow into a real storefront fashion business.
Just over two years later, the owners' dream came true, as they officially joined the Estevan Market Mall family.
On Oct. 21, Estevan's Irina Vlezko and Oksana Sych, co-owners of V.S. Style Boutique, celebrated their store grand opening at the Estevan Market Mall. V.S. Style Boutique is already known to the community and somewhat set at the mall, since it operated as a pop-up at different spots in the building for just over a year. But finding its permanent spot was big progress for the local small business.
"We celebrated our permanent location. We are a permanent merchandise store at the mall now," said Sych.
Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig stopped by to help the business owners celebrate their milestone, cut the ribbon and open the store. They also had treats and discounts for the customers throughout the day.
"It was a great day," Vlezko said.
Mall manager Arlene Stebeleski gave a speech. Many regular and some new customers stopped by to celebrate and shop.
After being at the former Ardene space, and then occupying a central spot at the mall, V.S. Style Boutique moved into the former location of The Source. The change came unexpectedly but as a pleasant surprise. The new space is more modern and up-to-date and has better lighting, but the main benefit is that it's permanent, so the entrepreneurs can finally put their personal touch on their store.
When they started, the project seemed almost impossible, but with the support of their families, the mall and the community, and with the passion they had for what they do, Sych and Vlezko managed to achieve their goals in a short time.
"The main thing is to love what you do," Sych shared. "If we didn't care for what we do, nothing would have worked out. Running a small business takes a lot of time, and often we are not paid for what we put in. But we like it, and when we see progress, even a small progress, it makes it all worth it and we want to keep moving forward."
"Also, having a partner makes a world of a difference," Vlezko added. "It's really hard to run a small business on your own. We support each other. Sometimes I feel defeated, but Oksana gives me a kick and we keep going. There are always ups and downs, but never could I imagine that in just two years we'd be where we are now. But you have to have a strong will, work hard and love what you are doing."
The owners also thanked everyone who helped them get to where they are.
"Big thank you to the mall management that's been really supportive and the owners," Sych said.
"And of course, a big thank you to our customers; we wouldn't be here without them," Vlezko added. "And to our families. Our husbands did a lot to help us succeed."
They now have what they've dreamt about since day one – an offline fashion store, but Sych and Vlezko said they are going to continue developing their online side of the business, with live weekly new arrival streams and availability of their offering through their website.
"We are going to keep improving our website," Vlezko said. "You have to keep developing your online presence."
The business also plans to keep partaking in different trade shows and other events in the southeast.
For the most part, V.S. Style Boutique is open throughout the week with Mondays off. Their operation hours are updated weekly on their social media pages. And even if they are closed, but customers need something, they do their best to accommodate those needs; people just need to contact them, they said.
