Local retailer takes online fashion boutique offline

OSU grad set to open Oklahoma City shop August 4

Oklahoma City, July 27, 2015 – It started with a dream in high school, an idea to own
her own business, and now it’s become a reality. Crystal Bland began Milo & Lily
Boutique, www.miloandlilyboutique.com, as an online business just six short months
ago. Within a month and a half, she earned back her entire investment.

Now, Crystal is opening a Milo & Lily storefront on May and Britton in the Collonade
Shops on August 4 with a grand opening event on August 8, which is tax-free weekend.

The shop is a women’s boutique and will also have clothing for little girls and plus sizes.
Milo & Lily will carry handbags, accessories, and home decor items handmade by local
artists from Oklahoma City and will have a line of dog products.

Crystal is excited to embark on new territory. She hasn’t heard of any other local online
business that’s opened a brick and mortar store.

“Businesses started by millennials like myself usually start online then become a mobile
boutique,” Crystal said. “The online market is extremely saturated, so to set my boutique
apart, I began selling my products in local events and using Facebook for social media
campaigns. Milo & Lily currently has more than 1,500 followers. I’m very thankful for my
loyal customers.”

Crystal was born and raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Oklahoma State
University in 2009 with a degree in apparel, merchandising and design and a minor in
marketing. She is excited to sell local products at Milo & Lily and also to team up with
Keep it Local OK.

“Oklahoma City has grown a lot, and people my age are coming in and doing all these
new things that make it a really cool place to live. It’s a good place to be, I love
Oklahoma City. It’s been a dream of mine to open my own shop since I graduated high
school. It’s what I pursued my degree in. It felt like this is the right time,” Crystal said.
Crystal admits she had a big learning curve with starting Milo & Lily online but has
learned a lot about running a business. She will continue the online shop along with the
new storefront.

“It’s the first business I’ve ever owned. I’m young, but I’m learning.”

Interviews available with Crystal Bland. Please contact Angi Bruss to set up a time
at 405.921.4882 or abruss@hotmail.com.

Milo & Lily’s Grand Opening is Aug. 8 10am-5pm – come for giveaways, mimosas and sales – Sip and Shop! Milo & Lily is located 9612 N. May Ave. Open Tuesday-Saturday; T-F:10-6, S:10-5. Milo and Lily are Crystal’s dogs. Milo is a Dachshund and Lily is an Akita.

(published July 30, 2015)