Cindy Moore started The Blue Finch to fill a need for unique gift stores in Lenawee County. Since launching this venture, Cindy has curated an exceptional collection of items from the United States and Europe, driven by community requests. She has also created innovative ways to connect with the community. Cindy shares her story:
At Blue Finch, my husband and I strive to bring in items people haven’t seen before. We travel a lot in Europe, and our goal is to stock products made in the U.S., preferably from Michigan, alongside European designs. We avoid mass-produced items from Asia, focusing on unique finds. It’s exciting when customers discover something new and hear the stories behind their purchases, like where it’s made and what it’s made from.
When we first opened, I started small because you never know what people will like. It’s been interesting to see what customers are drawn to. For instance, even though I don’t have a dog, I brought in dog toys because people asked for them, and they sold well. This experience taught me to consider customer preferences over my own.
The store now closely matches my original vision. We own three buildings in a row, and when we bought the one next door, we found some interesting boxes in the basement from an old shoe store. Incorporating unique elements like these keeps the store looking different and interesting.
I love engaging with people from Adrian and Michigan, getting to know the community and participating in events. On First Fridays, customers often sit with us at the back of the store, sharing their stories. These interactions are one of the most rewarding parts of the business.
We also organize private shopping events and have joined forces with other local stores for events like shop hops, sidewalk sales, and seasonal celebrations. We aim to bring more activities downtown year-round, not just in spring, and hopefully include food trucks and other attractions.
Traveling extensively, we search for special items, whether they are handmade, vintage, or locally crafted. If a customer suggests something, I research it thoroughly, trying to find the best version available. I love hearing what people are looking for when they visit the store.
The Blue Finch is where people can find unique gifts and share a part of their lives. My journey from a career in Chicago to running a gift store in Adrian has been marked by learning, adaptation, and a deepening connection with the community I now call home.