In early December, twenties something Paola Reyes opened her BLANC home accessories boutique at the Riviera Plaza just north of The Shops at Sunset Place on US1.
Born in Bolivia and raised in Key Biscayne, she attended Gulliver Prep and Boston Suffolk University where she graduated in 2009 with a degree in Developmental Psychology.
With an eye toward design and having worked in retail for a few years, she then attended the Miami Art Institute and received her A.A. degree in Fashion Merchandising.
And it shows….
“BLANC” in French means “white,” and the interior theme of the store is all white, so that the products could stand out. Paola started the store with her mother, Norma Henriquez, who also studied at the International Fine Arts College, and is joined at the store with her business partner Maria Delloca.
At BLANC customers will find unique items, and brands that no one in the area has seen before. From books to barware, kitchenwear and tablewear, from beautiful hand crafted wood pieces from Europe, to pillows, lamps and trays, you’ll get a great taste of what’s new for your home. Local jewelry designer Gina Cueto is also showcased at BLANC. Paola has collected an array of wonderful animal statues, from elephants, giraffes, horses and a zebra rocking chair. It’s also the perfect place for baby and kids gifts, with free gift wrap with any purchase.
Customers can also rely on their design services.
BLANC
1560 South Dixie Hwy, #104 | 786.534.8070
Open M-F 11-7 . Sat 10-5 . Closed Sundays
It didn’t take long after Monc Boutique vacated their space on Red Road that the 1000 sq.ft. space was leased out to Juan Carlos de Haro for his new shoe store.
Juan Carlos has been in the shoe business both in wholesale and retail for the past 25 years in his native Venezuela and here in the United States; he still runs 10 stores in Venezuela. He’s been living in Miami for the past twelve years and managing the wholesale end of the business.
He and his wife jumped at the idea of opening a new retail location. His wife, Anna Martinez, was born into the shoe business with her family owning a shoe factory, also in Venezuela, so the couple are well knowledgeable of the shoe industry. And the demographics of the South Miami area were all the more reason to choose our community.
At SOHO SHOES, Juan Carlos offers Brazilian made brands such as Huberto S. Muller, Bruno Menegatti and Sergio Zelcer. He is also bringing in new USA made lines such as Vincent Camutoi, Steve Madden and Pelle Moda. Customers will also find fine-crafted handbags, purses and wallets, and jewelry from Spain. Juan Carlos also plans to bring in casual clothing and Converse shoes. Price points are in the very reasonable range from $80 to $250.
SOHO SHOES
7222 Red Road | 305.667.7647
Open M-S: 10-7 . Sun: 11-5
