Wendy Johnson is the founder of Poshh, the contemporary boutique on Liberty Street, right in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor. A-Line was proud to speak with Wendy about what it’s like running “Ann Arbor’s Best Kept Secret.”

Wendy looking posh at Poshh.

1. You opened POSHH when you were young- 22! How was that? How did you deal with the skeptics?

Opening my dream boutique at age 22 was exciting! I was so thrilled, relieved, overjoyed, nervous, you name it! I honestly didn’t let the skeptics damper my mood at all. If anything, they served as added motivation to remain committed and to work harder to ensure the success of my business.

2. Did you always know that you  wanted to own your own store?

I didn’t always know that I wanted to own my own store, but I did know that my heart was tied to the fashion industry.

3. When did you know that Poshh would be a success?

I can’t pinpoint a defining moment, but I will say that the long lasting relationships that have been formed at Poshh between myself, my staff, and our loyal clients has served as a positive indicator for our continued success.

4. Who is your targeted clientele?

We target women ages 18-55. I’m proud to say that we truly do cater to such a vast age range!

5. Why did you decide to open up the store in Ann Arbor?

I have always loved the city of Ann Arbor, but I decided to open Poshh here primarily because I felt that Ann Arbor was missing an important and an essential component of the fashion industry, as it pertained to the growing contemporary market for women.

6. Do you like being located on Liberty Street?

I love Liberty St. It is essentially the main connector between the University of Michigan and Downtown Ann Arbor. I think Poshh is located within the best of both worlds.

7. The store wasn’t always named Poshh. What was it originally and why the change?

The boutique was originally named “Twiggy,” which was a childhood nickname of mine. We changed it to Poshh because of many misconceptions linked to the name Twiggy.  Additionally, we also believed the name “Poshh” represented our growing clientele of “smart and fashionable” women.

8. What are your favorite and least favorite trends right now?

My favorite trend is currently the “jegging” pant, which is a denim pant that fits and feels like a legging, with the look of denim! I’m on the move quite often being a wife, mother, and business owner, so fashionable comfort is a
necessity and this trend hits it perfect for me! My least favorite trend that you will see hitting the store floors soon in the fall is the cargo pant… they’re back!

9. Who would you thank for your love of fashion?

Probably my mother and her fashionable friends.  Watching them look fabulous inspired me to always want to look fabulous!

10. You’re also the buyer for Poshh. What is that like?

Amazing, but challenging. It is the best and the worst part of the job, but I love it!

11. You have your own family now. How has that changed your involvement with Poshh?

It hasn’t changed that much. I still have my hands in just about everything as it pertains to the business. I tell everyone that Poshh is my first born child and like I tell my son: Mommy Sees Everything!

Poshh sells everything from off the runway BCBG Max Azria to new, upcoming designers that most barely know. Have a break in between classes? There’s nowhere better to shop than 535 E. Liberty St.

Feature picture from http://www.concentratemedia.com/ by Dave Lewinski