Back in April 2020, I interviewed my Michele Arellano from The Wanderlust Bazaar to find out more about the brand from its beginning is a long time customer myself. Fun fact we actually went to high school together and she has been a part of events for my job.
Tell me a little bit about yourself.
My name is Michele, I’m currently 26 years old, and I’m the owner of The Wanderlust Bazaar.
When did you decide to start TWB? What is the meaning behind the brand?
I decided to start The Wanderlust Bazaar in 2017. At the time, I was working in public relations and marketing and just felt like I could be doing so much more. I had always had my heart set on starting my own company and working in the fashion industry but was always terrified of starting something on my own. I was in the shower one day, where all great ideas are created when I realized I really wanted to start a boutique, but I wanted it to be more than just a clothing boutique; I wanted it to be a lifestyle. I wanted what I was doing to help spark a little something in the girls and women that we’re buying from me, and that’s when it clicked! I wanted to create a space that embodied and was inspired by some of my favorite things and the women that surrounded me like traveling, and that’s when I thought of the word wanderlust. Traveling has always had a major influence on my style. I always love finding outfits and pieces that I think somewhat embody the place and lifestyle of where I’m going to, and I knew I just had to find a name that embodied that idea and type of lifestyle.
What are the top things you look for when deciding on carrying a new item/brand?
When I first started the company, I actually wasn’t doing a lot of shopping at the time for the exception of when I had a trip to go on. I go all out trying to find outfits for the trips I go, which has made me I’m an expert over-packer; as I started going on bigger trips with longer vacation time I had to get creative and try to find a way to do my best, not to overpack. So I decided to find specific pieces that were easy to dress up or down and easy to interchange tops and bottoms to get the most out of less clothing. Since then, that’s what I try to do with the items I shop for at the boutique. I try my best to find those pieces that you can find different ways to style and use for your typical day to day activities.
What are your favorite aspects of the fashion world?
I love the fact it’s always changing. There’s always something going on in fashion, whether it’s a new trend coming into play or, better yet, old trends that are making a come back. I always have fun and enjoy finding ways to create these looks with the pieces we get and sell here at The Wanderlust Bazaar.
Who is/are your favorite designer(s)?
I’m not too big on fashion designers to be 100% honest. I follow trends more than I do actually designers, but being a boutique owner and huge fan of online boutiques I have always loved and admired what Yiota and Thessy, the owners of Sabo Skirt, have done and created with their brand. They’re always ahead of the game with all the pieces, they carry and have such a fun, easy-going way of expressing their brand.
Who is your celebrity crush when it comes to fashion?
Not sure if bloggers count for this one, but the truth is I don’t typically get too much inspo from celebrities. I love following them, but their style is either way too out there for me or way too out of budget, which is why I honestly love keeping up with bloggers and influencers. My taste is always changing, but lately, I have loved following Emma Leger, Danielle Bernstein, Kemper from @joandkemp, Delaney Childs, Dakota Thompson, the list could go on for days.
Where is your store located?
We have an online shop at www.thewanderlustbazaar.com and a showroom located at 147 Alhambra Circle, Coral Gables Florida. Follow @thewanderlustbazaar on social media for more information and the latest updates.
What does a true #TWB girl embody?
There’s not really a one-way answer with this one. Anyone could be a #TWB girl, and that’s what I love about this brand. I help women of all ages and sizes find those pieces that are right for them and their day to day lifestyle and seeing that glow of excitement that lights up when they find that special piece or even wear that special piece makes my day and is, in my opinion, what makes someone a #TWB girl.
What is/are your goal(s) for your brand in 2020?
2020 has honestly been one heck of a curveball for us. We started this year at 100 mph giving everything we had into making this year the best one yet. We had so many things in the works and planned, but with everything going on at the moment, we’ve decided to slow things down a bit and are just trying to take everything day by day. We’re shifting our focus right now into doing what we can to help and give back to the community that has been by our side for the past three years.
My notes:
TWB, to me, is a brand that, like Michele, was saying is all-inclusive. I have weighed a significant range from the first time I asked her to be a vendor at my job’s Fashion show in 2018 to now. And never have I felt less than for it. She carries styles that work with everyone’s body type, and some of the most classic pieces I own are #TWB. Michele has a natural kind disposition with her customers that is so infectious its no wonder her clientele has grown so much in the last three years. Any time you have a question with sizing or an issue with the order she works with you, which I know can be fear when shopping online.
Michele, I wish you nothing but the best in this new venture and I can’t wait to stop by again soon!
