For several years, Kim Crow watched as the contracting newspaper business shed people, including many of her friends and colleagues, and laid ever-increasing burdens on those still employed. So relinquishing her duties at the Plain Dealer -- editing three sections, supervising six reporters and, the work she's best known for, writing a fashion column -- was the easy part.

At least compared to opening a store.

Crow recently unveiled Evie Lou -- "A contemporary boutique that embraces personal style and fantastic fit across the size spectrum" -- in Tremont. The journey from clothing pundit to clothing retailer was longer and more frustrating than she'd anticipated. Loan rejections took months, she says, and some small ones that were approved still haven't come through. High credit-card limits, from years as a sort-of professional shopper, kept her afloat.

But it was worth it; even the surprises have been encouraging. For example, she'd anticipated more evening business, when the nearby restaurants and galleries are hopping. Instead, she's been far busier during the day, "and that's great because it's the neighborhood supporting me."

She's a one-woman operation for now, but hopes to hire an employee soon. Not just anyone, however; this person will have to share Crow's commitment to the "size spectrum" portion of the store's mission statement. She is spending about 15 percent of her buying budget on plus sizes, an amount almost unheard of in boutiques. It's something of an experiment, she admits.

"Every day I hear someone say, 'I'm not buying anything until I lose 20 pounds," Crow says. "In the dressing room there is so much more going on than just 'That's a cute top.' Women bring all their baggage in there with them. There's a lot of psychology to it."

And fodder for her new writing outlet, the Evie Lou blog.

Source: Kim Crow
Writer: Frank W. Lewis