Tootie and Tallulah's Named Berkley Business of the Year

was named the 2011 Business of the Year during the 11th annual State of the City event Thursday at in Berkley.

The home goods boutique has been part of a blossoming of businesses along Coolidge Highway and fills a niche in Berkley's shopping landscape.

"Their business is a fresh and stylish approach to reducing, renewing and reusing," Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Julie Melrose said as she presented the award to Jeri Brand and Sally Crosthwaite.

"We're thrilled and surprised," Brand said after the ceremony. "We love Berkley and we've been welcomed here."

Diversity breeds cooperation

– sells consignment furniture, unique gifts, Fair Trade items and artwork by Michigan artists.

"We felt like we were different for this community," said Brand, who added that Berkley's friendliness, safety and reasonable rents also made it an attractive place to launch a business. "People can say, 'I can be the first pizza joint or coffee shop or art market.' There's niches to fill."

She said that diversity has fostered a supportive environment in Berkley, where business owners work together instead of getting involved in "competitive yuckiness."

During Tootie and Tallulah's' first year, Brand said she's been delighted to see significant business growth along Coolidge Highway, including the addition of: , , and . In addition, recently expanded.

"In such a downward economic time, it's amazing to see," Brand said. "... For people who've walked down Coolidge for years and there was nowhere to stop, now there's all these little places. It's so cool."

Thirty-four businesses in total have submitted applications to open or move within the city during 2011, Mayor Marilyn Stephan said Thursday during her State of the City address.

Keeping it local

Tootie and Tallulah's continues to evolve, having launched its own website within the past month and making itself available for private events and fundraisers after hours, Brand said.

"A party with a purpose can be anything from school groups to hockey moms to book clubs," she said, adding that light refreshments are served and drawings held during the parties, with proceeds going to charity.

Brand said Tootie and Tallulah's next private party will be held Nov. 8 to benefit the Fragile X Association, a nonprofit that funds research, offers emotional support for families and works to boost public awareness of the family of genetic disorders dubbed Fragile X.

Tootie and Tallulah's also encourages local artists to stop by or call and make an appointment to show off their wares.

"We totally support the local artists," from Metro Detroit and throughout Michigan, Brand said.

But, the boutique's buy local, shop local philosophy doesn't end with art.

Brand said she and Crosthwaite have done business with and o., both located in Berkley, and that Tootie and Tallulah's has been involved in a number of community events, including and .

"We try to keep up with whatever's going on locally and support it," Brand said.