Business Matters: Brooklyn Park’s Top 2 Bottom Fashions
At Top 2 Bottom Fashions in Brooklyn Park, there’s an escape from the ordinary.
“When people come in here, they get kind of excited, like they’re in a candy store,” said Letia Blade, owner of Top 2 Bottom Fashions.
Blade offers a wide selection of men’s clothing choices from conservative to colorful.
“I’m a small boutique so I can’t carry everything,” said Blade.
But she may be able to order it for you.
“A lot of people say you should get a bigger store. I don’t want a bigger store because I like to work one-on-one with my customers,” she said.
Busy for Prom Season
Prom is one of the her busiest times of the year. She works with a variety of different customers and isn’t afraid to offer advice to customers.
“A lot of kids are looking for different things and I always tell them to be yourself. Don’t try to wear what somebody else is wearing if you’re not comfortable wearing that. It’s okay,” Blade said.
Blade owned a cleaning company for 23 years before deciding to follow her passion for fashion. She opened up Top 2 Bottom Fashions five years ago. (Blade moved the store to the current Brookdale location last fall.) In opening the store, she felt she could offer a colorful niche.
“I’m originally from Detroit, where fashion is really popular. Not so much in the Twin Cities,” Blade said. “Brooklyn Park is a nice community. There’s a lot of different nationalities here. So I thought this would be a good area to put a clothing store.”
Word of mouth has spread about her business. Clients have ranged from drummer and guitarist “Jellybean” Johnson to the Steeles.
“I care how my customer’s look when they walk out that door,” she said about her approach to customers.
So what are the latest fashions? Blade says plaid suits are big right now. She also working to increase her selection of women’s clothing. Blade says the Michele Obama handbags are a top seller.
