Local favorite boutique Monograms Plus is a swirl of color and creativity. Owner Lynsey Todd has poured her heart into creating a shop that feels like home — with a dash of quirky charm.
Todd described the style of Monograms Plus with a smile: “Colorful, cheerful and a little bit quirky.”
She’s built a space designed to spark happiness. Think bright displays, patterns and gifts that feel personal and special.
Everything in the shop is chosen with intention. “At the end of the day, Monograms Plus is really about finding something for everyone and making people feel welcome,” Todd said.
Owning a business wasn’t always part of her plan. In fact, it once felt impossible. But after a lifetime in retail, the opportunity appeared — and she knew it was time to jump.
“It was definitely a leap of faith,” she admitted. “I was terrified!” she admitted. But she also believed deeply in the vision of founder Margaret Hamm, who started Monograms Plus in her garage and grew it into three storefronts. Todd saw the chance to honor that legacy while expanding the store with new product categories and her own creative touch.
Her dream? “A store where people could find the perfect gift, treat themselves and leave happier than when they walked in.”
“What’s one behind‑the‑scenes moment that captures the reality of running the business?” we asked. Todd didn’t hesitate: “The holidays.”
Picture this — a stockroom overflowing with boxes, new merchandise arriving daily, displays being flipped at lightning speed and a team buzzing with energy. Add in homeschooling her child from the office, juggling everyone’s family schedules and running booths at Christkindlmarkt… and you’ve got the perfect snapshot of Monograms Plus in full festive mode.
“It’s definitely chaotic, but it’s also my favorite part,” she said. “You can feel the excitement of creating something special for our customers.”
What items is she loving most at the moment?Todd beams when she talks about the unexpected treasures that catch her eye. Right now, she’s obsessed with bright floral patterns in apparel, drinkware, home goods, stationery and jewelry.
But the real magic? “The coolest things in the store are the items that make people light up when they see them,” she said. She has a soft spot for gifts that solve the “hard‑to‑shop‑for” dilemma — the unique pieces that make Monograms Plus stand out.
Todd’s advice for a young woman dreaming of owning her own business
“Don’t wait until you feel ready,” she said. “The truth is you probably never will, and you’ll always feel like you don’t know what you’re doing. Trust your vision, work hard and surround yourself with people who support you. Be willing to learn, embrace the mistakes and don’t shy away from doing something a little crazy. Some of the best things in life start that way.”
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"Be willing to learn, embrace mistakes and don’t shy away from doing something a little crazy. Some of the best things in life start that way.”