Opening a business during a pandemic -The Bluebird Boutique Alpena

ALPENA, Mich. – Kelly Heikkuri is set to open The Bluebird Boutique next month.

She says she took a leap of faith and now her dreams have become a reality.

We’re deep in the middle of a pandemic, but that didn’t stop Heikkuri.

“I was a social worker for over 10 years, and it was something always in the back of my mind that I wanted to do and I got laid off, and I said you know what I’m gonna do it,” said Heikkuri.

And it hasn’t stopped many.

According to the United States Census Bureau entrepreneurship is up.

Since December of 2020, there have been more than 1.5 million new business applications in the U.S.

That’s up 82 percent compared to a year ago.

Heikkuri said Alpena’s DDA and Chamber of Commerce have been there for her from the start.

“Just so supportive, everybody even local businesses, the lady next door said hey neighbor, it’s just been very, very welcoming,” said Heikkuri.

The Bluebird Boutique has a lot to offer.

“A little bit of everything, I’ve really been trying to get to where a teenager might like it or someone older, it’s just kind of a mix of everything,” said Heikkuri.

She said the pandemic inspired her to go after her dreams and hopes others do the same.

“If it doesn’t succeed- it doesn’t succeed, but now I can say I at least tried,” said Heikkuri.

The Bluebird Boutique is set to open on May 1st. Inside you will find tons of trendy items and accessories.

To check out merchandise and stay up to date with their website launch and opening you can find them on their Facebook page.