– by Doreen Marion Gee –
This is part of a rotating series of articles on members of Sidney Meet Up Women’s Networking Group, featuring women in business on the Saanich Peninsula.
There is nothing quite like it in Sidney. Upstairs on Beacon is a totally unique shopping experience. A picture of Marilyn Monroe greets visitors on Beacon Avenue and her special beautiful spirit glows from every corner of the deliciously different shops upstairs.
Marilyn Monroe was more than beautiful and sexy – she was also educated, intelligent and kindhearted. Few people are aware that she attended UCLA and was an active advocate for racial equality. At Upstairs on Beacon, a cooperative collective of eclectic boutiques in Sidney, the essence of Norma Jeane is alive and well. The three charming members of Upstairs reflect Marilyn’s smarts, beauty and compassion.
High-end beautiful clothes, posh jewellery and arcane novelties at “Norma Jean’s Closet”, owned by Cheryl Young, are a delightful homage to Marilyn. Every item, new and gently used, is a work of art in deluxe condition. Sumptuous finely-designed dresses and accessories are definitely Marilyn-worthy. Do I feel Norma Jeane breeze by, blond hair flowing, dangling a “Fire Opal” bracelet and carrying a “Celine and Louis Vuitton” handbag from the boutique? Cheryl’s kind and savvy strategy, “I want to make people feel good!” echoes the legacy of the silver screen beauty.
One can easily imagine Cary Grant strutting down a cool Sidney lane in the luxurious beige cashmere coat hanging in the “Man Cave”, owned by Eileen McMahon. Her smart innovative haven for the male ego boasts an illustrious handsome collection of apparel for men, all in immaculate condition, whether new or gently used. New fashionable dapper shirts line the shelves, new slacks shine with quality, and sterling three-piece suits and handsome blazers ooze ‘class.’ For the man who loves to accessorize – check out the dashing ties. Eileen is warm and personable: “I love talking to people and my items are very reasonably priced.” A shop just for guys? Marilyn’s breath is on the outside glass.
Lastly, Coreen Lane’s “Tea Alley” brings together an unlikely pair of businesses – the exotic world of tea and the mystery of hypnosis. Both a Registered Hypnotherapist and a “Tea Sommelier” (in training), Coreen adds a tantalizing edge to Upstairs. Her premium quality teas are infused with love: Weight-loss teas, Healing teas, Digestive teas, to name a few. Ask about her “Fatties and Bum” Tea! Also a “Tasseographer”, Coreen plans tea-leaf readings. Her empathy and intelligence resonate in her voice as she talks about offering hypnotherapy sessions to help people with weight-loss and smoking cessation. Her creativity and compassion invoke the aura of the Hollywood legend.
If you crave something out of the ordinary, soak in the razzle-dazzle of Upstairs on Beacon. The shops are unforgettable, just like the film star.
Contacts:
Upstairs on Beacon shops: www.cherylyoung.ca, www.facebook.com/Upstairsbeacon.
