The Dandy Lion: a new shop with a new vibe

A new downtown shop opened last week. The Dandy Lion is preaching Manchester's new gospel: good vibes, good community, good art. The shop offers an eye-candy sugar high of handmade goods, vintage furniture, historic home-ware, and unique gifts. Prices range from a couple bucks for a handmade headband, to a few hundred for the larger artwork and furniture.

Proprietors Crystal and Marcus Herrin-Stewert organically moved into opening Dandy Lion after three years of hardcore Manchester proselytizing. After buying their house in Manchester (which is an interesting story, stop by and ask about it), Crystal and Marcus have enjoyed patronizing local businesses. It was while at SteeleGraphix they heard about the open storefront next to Exhale Yoga. Due to the massive road works in Saline affecting Crystal's job there, it seemed like the perfect time to start a business closer to home.

Crystal and Marcus have long been involved in the art community in Ypsilanti, and have experience selling antiques online. Dandy Lion is an extension of that. They are having a "Great time, selling things we love," said Crystal. She hopes the Dandy Lion "sparks creativity" in everyone who walks through. There is a chair by the counter for people to sit and chat. A table with art supplies for kids to make something cool.

Marcus and Crystal intend to stick with Manchester. They have already, as Marcus put it, "converted" friends and family to the Manchester way. One friend has already moved here, and Marcus's mother plans to take up residence in Manchester soon.

To spread the good news of community over the holidays, Dandy Lion will soon have a Giving Tree. Inspired by how quickly Manchester jumped to help residents in need who posted on the local Facebook group, Crystal is building a special "tree" for the store.

"Christmas shouldn't be ugly or stressful, it should be relaxing," she stated. The Giving Tree will be open for people to place new or handmade gifts on, and for others to take those gifts as they need them.

The Dandy Lion is open 11-7 Wednesday through Saturday, and Sunday 12-4.

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by Danielle Muntz

Danielle lives in Manchester Township and has many interests which she takes part in with varying degrees of success. She can be reached at Danielle.Does.Stuff@gmail.com.