Oak Harbor shop completes a dream for owner
OAK HARBOR - It could be said that Melissa Wehner’s life is imperfectly perfect.
Scoliosis, an auto accident, and major surgeries could have brought her to a halt. Instead, she learned to push through the imperfections of life and utilize the pain as a channel to beauty. While recovering from surgery, she sat on her couch and made connections with creatives, building partners who would help her fulfill her dream to own a retail business.
In September, Wehner opened Perfect Imperfections in a former antique mall in downtown Oak Harbor. The shop features 38 local vendors who sell everything from candles and lip balm to shirts and home décor.
“I was sitting on the couch during the healing process, reaching out and building relationships and finding people who do stuff like this,” Wehner said. “I also do residential and commercial decorating, staging and design.”
Retail shop includes spray tan salon
Although Wehner is new to retail, she has worked in the business world for years. She has been a licensed real estate agent for 20 years and a notary for eight years. She became a licensed cosmetologist so she could open a spray tan salon inside Perfect Imperfections. The salon features the all-natural, GloBody spray tan line.
“I’m a licensed spray tan artist. None of this was easy. It was determination,” she said.
Perfect Imperfections features a cigar bar, and it will soon be able to offer drinks.
Oak Harbor store offers drinks, cigars
“We’ll have bourbon, wine, craft beer and flights. A man can have a bourbon and watch the game while his wife shops,” Wehner said. “The liquor license is tied to Pisanello’s Pizza, so customers can get pizza and eat it here.”
An event venue inside Perfect Imperfections offers space for parties, showers and business meetings.
“It doesn’t have an oven, but it has a refrigerator, a sink and a handicap-accessible bathroom,” Wehner said. “Customers can rent it from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for $225.”
Among the florals, jewelry and wooden bowls in her shop is Wehner’s upscaled furniture.
“My zen was always redoing furniture and doing crafts. That was my getaway and my break,” she said.
In 2013, she endured a major surgery and was involved in a serious car accident. Her body and her mind were changed by the experiences, and she now wanted to spend more time doing what she loved.
Wehner is pursuing her dreams
“My perspective on life changed. It changed what I wanted to be,” she said. “Then I got married, and I was able to pursue my dreams more. I heard this building was available, and I realized this was something I could do to help our community. It’s all local vendors.”
By opening Perfect Imperfections, Wehner kept a downtown building open, supported local artisans, and provided another shopping option and event venue for Oak Harbor residents and visitors.
“So far, business has been really strong. I’ve had lots of community support,” she said. “We have stuff here from $1 to $500. It’s not just another gift shop. It’s a very unique shop. Every artist brings their own special skill.”
Perfect Imperfections is at 104 W. Water St. in Oak Harbor. For more information, call 419-607-1950 or visit www.perfectimperfectionsboutique.com.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Port Clinton News Herald: Perfect Imperfections combines retail, tan salon, much more
