BIRD BEE was started by Taylor Bolleber with an Instagram account and a desire for creative freedom when it came to a long-term career. Starting off as a side hustle while working in the advertising biz in 2015, Taylor quickly grew her online shop through social media, pop-up shops and local events. BIRD BEE became a fav online boutique for free-spirited and badass babes because of it’s feel good style and don’t give a f*** attitude behind it. In 2017, she knew it was time to go all in, and opened BIRD BEE’s first brick and mortar storefront in Downtown Detroit. Obviously that’s the real short of it all, but some things are simply unexplainable ;)
OWNER Q+A.
Tell us about yourself! My name is Taylor Bolleber, I’m 26 years old and I’m the founder,
owner, buyer and creative director for BIRD BEE. I started BIRD BEE a few years
ago with 12 shirts and a garment rack that was falling apart. I live in Detroit
with my yorkie puppy, Axle James, and in my spare time when I’m not working,
I’m probably working :) I'm a lover of messy hair, leather jackets and sweet
potato fries.
my
son, axle james
me at age 23 wearing one
of the first items in Bird Bee's
inventory LOL (oh how
things have changed...)
What’s your sign? Aries
Trends/brands your
currently obsessing over: Currently
loving all things plaid - if it makes me look like a British rockstar, I’m into
it. As far as brands go, it’s so hard to pick a favorite. I’d say going into
fall, I’ll be wearing a lot of layered Knot Sisters pieces (I’m always turning
their dresses into dusters, and they have the BEST chunky sweaters). Another
fave is Sol Sana… I think I keep a pair of every shoe that comes in… whoops. I
do all of the buying for the store so usually, I’m pretty obsessed with
everything.
What’s in your closet? My closet is simple, but edgy. It’s filled with muted tones and a
lot of black & white. I have some fun statement pieces that I add to an
outfit when it’s feeling boring. My top staples are: my leathers (I have a
collection and always on the hunt for more), point toe booties or sneakers, and
a pair of black One Teaspoon jeans.
Go-to outfit? I’m the one who wears ripped jeans, heeled booties and a black
knotted tee for a night out and thinks it’s dressy because I throw on some
earrings. Add a leather jacket, and it’s gold. I’d describe my style as
effortlessly cool.
Best career advice to
give? Stay in your own lane -
do your own work and thinking, and don’t let anyone get in your way. Set goals,
but don’t be sad when you don’t reach them immediately. Lastly, always take the
leap, even if it seems scary.
What makes you feel
creative? I love taking a long
highway drive and blasting good music. I come up with a million new ideas and
feel so pumped up afterwards. My best work, though, always comes after 10pm when
I get time alone in my office to think. I never realized how much I love
creative work and meeting creative people until I started this business, so
going to trade shows and meeting designers and other people who work in the
fashion industry is always inspiring.
Where are you when
you’re not at BIRD BEE? I love
popping into the Apparatus Room in the Foundation Hotel on a weeknight to sip a
bourbon cocktail and get work done with my business-owning bestie (the owner of
our neighboring store, City Bark). On the weekend, I’m at a low-key dive bar
chilling with old friends or dancing at Marble Bar until 3am. Either way, I’m
ending up at one of the two rival Coney Islands (basic, but I literally live
next door to them).
What’s your favorite
part about owning a boutique?
Coming up with crazy ideas and executing them with my ride or die Bird Bee
babes <3 I also love seeing people walk out of the store in a brand
new head-to-toe outfit that they love and feel good in!
my bird bee babes
Are you BIRD or BEE? I was definitely a mix of both when I first launched...at this
point in my life I’ve become full-blown BEE, but it’s ever changing. Now, my
life and style has become a bit more minimal, which has led me to opening a new
exciting sister store this fall, URBAN ANGELO!
What's your instagram?! @taylorashb ;)
Taylor’s current MUST HAVE
store picks:
