June, 2013
By Paul Martell
Nicole and Trish are EMU alumnae, sorority sisters, best friends, and fashion entrepreneurs. They recently opened the doors to their Southfield-based clothing store, Whink Clothing Boutique.
Nicole and Trish have known each other for 15 years. In 1998, both girls were attending Eastern Michigan University, and both girls decided to join the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Though working toward different majors, Trish and Nicole had one passion in common: fashion. Little did they know, in the future, this shared interest would be the focus of an exciting joint venture.
While studying at EMU, Trish and Nicole were highly involved in Campus Fashion shows. 
They worked collaboratively to select models, garner clothing donations from local businesses, and approve outfits. During their involvement in Greek Life, community service became a top priority for them as well. Trish finished her undergrad in 2000, and then went to grad school. Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in 2002. It would not be until several years later that these two would choose to start a business together.
Nearly ten years had passed, and it was time for Nicole and Trish to fulfill their passion. Trish says, “Once I got into my career, I realized I only wanted to follow my dream. I wanted to follow it more than anything else…One day I mentioned I was thinking about opening a boutique, and Nicole was thinking the same thing! We decided to do it together.”
After brainstorming and planning, they came up with Whink Clothing Boutique. Whink is going to cater to, “Contemporary, trendy young ladies. The trendsetters who are looking for unique pieces.”
The store is located at 29959 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, Michigan.
June 14 at 4:00 p.m. marked the grand opening event for Nicole and Trish. Together, they hosted the Whink Clothing Boutique ribbon cutting ceremony. Southfield’s mayor attended, as well as new customers, and local media. The day was a success, and featured hors d’oeuvres, giveaways, and of course, fashion. Trish and Nicole donated a portion of all proceeds raised at the ribbon cutting ceremony to Girls with Gifts, Inc. Girls with Gifts is a bi-coastal mentoring organization “inspired to inspire” young girls, ages 11-18, with aspirations in the arts and entertainment.
Nicole says, “We are so excited that we are a good team, our passion is coming together, and we are bringing it into existence.”
The boutique in Southfield is just the beginning according to Trish and Nicole. They hope to establish Whink as a household name, synonymous with fashion and charity. “We want to be associated with not just fashion, but with community also. Growing with Detroit is part of our brand.”
This exciting new business is being started by some of EMU’s own, and the University is proud of them. According to Trish, “I think our relationship starting there (EMU) really helped us to do this. We have a great respect for each other. Our drive is very similar. We truly believe we are going to be successful.”
If you would like to get “Whinked”, be sure to the store located in Southfield, Michigan.
For more information, or to get connected to Whink Clothing Boutique, just check them out on:
INSTAGRAM: @whinkboutique
By
Paul Martell
EMU Young Alumni 