Every Day is Mother’s Day at The Blenders
Barbara Lewin and her daughter Lori Alpert, co-owners of The Blenders, “a unique boutique” in Paso Robles, consider themselves “very fortunate, said Lori. “To us, it’s not just about selling something, but having relationship with people. Just stop by and say hi if you like.”
Quality and Selection
The longest running retail store in Downtown Paso Robles at 538 12th Street offers personalized shopping, custom ordering and a wide selection of carefully selected women’s fashions. Also the North County’s Merle Norman headquarters, not only has The Blenders carried the makeup and skincare line for over 40 years, Merle Norman continues to receive high marks from online cosmetic review sites, such as MakeupAlley.com.
“Sometimes you just have to push the ‘refresh’ button,” said Lori, “and consider what one’s skin needs now, which can be affected by time, the environment and even certain medications. Our customers are enjoying Merle Norman’s Skintelligent line, but many items have been their favorites for years. Even our roll-on deodorant is a consistent seller.”
Lori and Barbara have a real knack for coordinating everything they sell into a fresh and cohesive look that makes use of both essential pieces and current trends. In addition to their clothing line with brands such as Tribal, Keren Hart Ltd., and Lulu B, among their accessories are Holly Yashi hypoallergenic jewelry and handbags by Baggallini, and they do ear-piercing, too. At press time, a generous selection of beautiful, versatile scarves in silks and cotton blends for the season were displayed throughout the shop ($26-$59) in time for summer.
Like Mother, like Daughter
Barbara Lewin is known to many longtime proprietors in Paso Robles as a gentle mover and shaker who cultivated Downtown Paso Robles retail from when the community was just 8,000-strong to what it is known today. An earlier rendition of The Blenders began as shop that carried fresh-roasted coffee beans (“before it was a thing”), teas, Jelly Belly candy, boutique jewelry, accessories and gift items.
“She had forethought in Paso Robles,” said daughter Lori. “and thought about what her customers would want,” Barbara added, “When I moved from the Bay Area, fresh coffee beans weren’t at the grocery stores and there were no coffee houses, so I brought coffee beans to my shop.” Barbara and Lori both agree that “the
key to selling is to find a need and fill it.”
“Mom and I play off each other,” said Lori. “We have similar tastes, yet we approach things differently. If I have another idea of how to do something, my mom will say, ‘let’s give it a try.’ Ours is a complimentary partnership.”
“We’re just lucky; we’re family. And PS: We work together! “said Barbara. “Lori is a fine businesswoman who always goes beyond what is necessary. She has the keenest eye for color and design, and more than anyone that I’ve encountered in this business,” she said of her daughter. “Lori is very kind, very loving and I’m very proud of her.”
Call The Blenders at 805-238-5554 or visit theblenderspasorobles.com.
