We love events outside our typical retail environment because they allow us to get to know our customers in a much more fun way. The great thing about our business is that our customers are really interesting…

We recently flew down to Columbia, South Carolina, for an event held at the home of VanJean boutique owner Melissa Blanchard.

“I loved that there was a little downtown area. It was vibrant and charming—it reminded me of the town squares I passed through on my childhood road trips outside of Birmingham. Columbia has a real downtown that’s well preserved. I love art so I was happy to learn that the Columbia Museum of Art is located in the heart of the city.

The VanJean customer has her own sense of style.  And I love connecting with women who are confident expressing it. As a designer, it’s great meeting our customers who value and understand the importance of quality in clothing.

At the event, women said to me, ‘Oh you’re so lucky to be in New York! The culture, the art, the fashion!’ But in Columbia, South Carolina, they have art, they have fashion, they have a real sense of community. Funny, because they have exactly what people think New York is known for.

Melissa was a wonderful host.  I love home décor and in fact, people tease me at work because I’m always talking about new and different home furnishings.  Melissa and her husband did a great job restoring their home, which is a historical landmark, to its original condition after its previous owner’s renovations.  I really liked that Melissa and her husband weren’t afraid to mix and match.”

                                                                                                                      — Jodi

(hand painted tote by artist Vicky Barranguet)

 

A conversation with Melissa Blanchard, VanJean boutique’s owner

“It’s a treat for the staff, the customers, and, of course, me, when a designer comes to visit VanJean. When you live in Columbia you feel like you have to drive to Atlanta, Charlotte or Charleston for a chance to meet a designer. To have Jodi in Columbia gives VanJean the opportunity to offer customers a rare experience in their hometown.”

“I love the details of Jodi’s designs. She really thinks about how the trend of the season can work in real life without sacrificing the ‘cool’ factor. The leggings (which always sell out) and her dresses are fashionable yet versatile. Jodi Arnold pieces are the ones in my closet I go to again and again—especially when I’m in a hurry. She makes it easy and quick to look polished. To me, that says Jodi Arnold understands the life of the modern woman.”

“We have worked with Winston’s Wish Foundation at another event and know some of the women who are very involved with the organization. Winston’s Wish is a South Carolina-based non-profit for children with autism. The founder is determined to make a difference in her child’s life and that of others. Winston’s Wish is a small local organization and VanJean is a small local business so I thought it would be a good fit.”

“It was a wonderful evening. The guests love that Jodi is from the South and everyone was touched that her parents drove from Birmingham for the evening. Like her collection, Jodi is approachable and easy to be around. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to speak with her (and her parents) on a personal level.”

                                                                                                                        — Melissa

VanJean’s #1 Fans, “Izzie” and “Brownie”