Funky Chic Boutique and Missy’s Boutique & Consignment are two of White Bear Lake’s fabulous finds, perfect for gifts, new outfits and that special something to spruce up your space. And the owners, who each have had their share of sadness and loss, fill their shops with love, a bit of cheer and loads of inspiration.
Funky Chic Boutique
Open since February 21, Dina Funk has stayed true to her name with this burst of joyful color in White Bear Mall. Funky Chic Boutique is filled with accessories—some made from recycled items like VCR tape—consignment furniture, home goods, handmade baby clothes and accessories, and much more. And all of it with a funky flair.
You won’t find boring cards here, Funk says. “I want the funny cards where you read it and say, ‘Oh, I’m gonna send that to my sister!’” And the “baby room” is filled with more bright colors, hooks in the shape of puppy tails, baby headbands, and 1-year birthday outfits for the little one in your life.
“I’m trying to make gift buying easier,” Funk says. “I’d like to put things together as a package so somebody can come in and just buy it and have it done.”
For Funk, White Bear Lake was the obvious choice for her store, inspired by her newfound free time as an empty-nester. Years ago, she, her sister and mom would come to downtown White Bear Lake to shop. “We’d park and we’d just walk, and I loved it,” Funk says.
The style that Funk has adopted was not always how she presented herself. “[My style] used to be more subtle,” she says. “But then I went through cancer.” After a year of chemo seven years ago, she embraced her name and came out with some pep and a little more color—fitting for her outgoing personality.
“I’m kind of a people person,” Funk says. Which is what she most enjoys about her new shop—customers stopping by “and meeting all the people.”
(Dina Funk of Funky Chic Boutique)
Missy’s Boutique & Consignment
Missy’s Boutique originally opened in North St. Paul in May 2013 in memory of owner Paula Romero’s daughter, Melissa, who passed away in March 2012 at age 27. “I was just at home and very grief-stricken,” Romero says, “and my family and friends surrounded me and said, ‘OK, it’s time for you to do something.’” So Missy’s Boutique was created to honor Melissa, who “was a little fashionista,” Romero says. Shortly after opening, Romero’s husband underwent emergency surgery to remove a tumor on his spine that was putting him at risk for paralysis. After his chemo and radiation, Romero picked up her shop and moved it to the White Bear Mall in April 2014 to be closer to home.
The hard times have created what can only be described as an inspirational atmosphere. Quotes and photos on the walls, and Romero’s smile, greet you as you walk through the door and take in the women’s clothing, shoes, handbags and jewelry filling her store. Both new and gently used items fill the racks, with brand names and designers everywhere you look, for juniors through plus sizes.
The other female store-owners in the White Bear Mall will come in and give their two cents as well—a perk of doing business in such a tight-knit community.
The community is what Romero loves about doing business in White Bear Lake, she says. “There’s such synergy between the business and the community, it’s just amazing,” she says. “I don’t know where else you can find what you find here.”
