From Practical Beginnings to Purposeful Style: The Story of Modish Maven Boutique
Tonya Gendreau’s journey starts in her hometown of Lima, Ohio—a place that shaped her grounded nature and quiet resilience. As a young mother to her daughter and son, her entry into retail wasn’t driven by a passion for fashion, but by practical necessity. During her time at a department store, Tonya honed her customer service skills and earned a promotion to assistant store manager, all while managing the demands of parenting.
Life changed beautifully in 1994 when she met her husband, Percy, a Maine native who had moved to Lima for work. Their connection blossomed into marriage in 1998, and two years later, they welcomed their youngest daughter. Tonya embraced her role as a full-time stay-at-home mother, pouring her heart into raising her children. When their youngest left for college in 2019, an opportunity to explore her interests opened in her life—and with it, a question that lingered: What now?
Tonya began working at a local boutique, where she discovered something unexpected: a deep appreciation for curated fashion and the meaningful connections it sparked. She saw firsthand how personalized service and intentional styling could uplift women—how the right piece of clothing could spark joy and a renewed sense of self. That experience didn’t just inspire her; it stirred something deeper. A vision began to form—not of a boutique she had always planned, but one born from her passion for connection and the desire to help women feel seen and celebrated.
With her children grown and Percy offering steady encouragement and business guidance, Tonya began laying the foundation for what would become Modish Maven Boutique. She partnered with the supportive Kathy Keller at the Small Business Development Center and prayed for clarity at every step. Though the path wasn’t always clear, Tonya walked it faithfully.
She envisioned a boutique in the heart of downtown Lima, though the path remained unclear. Then came the miracles. Retail fixtures that typically cost thousands were suddenly within reach at a fraction of the price, and a direct answer to her prayers. As if perfectly timed, a new space opened in Central District—an ideal downtown location brought to life through the generosity of Tracie Sanchez. In December 2023, Tonya signed the lease and with remarkable speed, Modish Maven Boutique officially opened its doors on February 1, 2024, a vision finally realized.
More than just a store, Modish Maven is a space of confidence, connection, and mindful style, focusing on quality pieces. Tonya delights in helping women build capsule wardrobes and seeing a woman light up when she finds something that truly resonates—not just something she wears, but something that reflects who she is.
Faith remains at the heart of the boutique. In each fitting room, Tonya thoughtfully places a prayer journal—an open invitation for reflection, encouragement, and quiet connection. Behind the scenes, her mother supports the boutique with steadfast prayer, providing an unseen yet powerful presence. Remarkably, former customers from Tonya’s past retail roles continue to seek her out, drawn not only by her style expertise but by the genuine trust and care they’ve come to know.
Modish Maven proudly features thoughtfully selected pieces, many made in the USA. Customers discover machine-washable luxury from Revir, elegant tarnish-proof jewelry from Beljoy, and ethically crafted leather goods from ABLE—a brand committed to empowering women in Nashville, Ethiopia, Brazil and beyond.
Now a grandmother and entrepreneur, Tonya Gendreau is proving that it’s never too late to follow a calling. With heart, style, and purpose, she continues to build not just a boutique, but a legacy of confidence and connection in her beloved Lima community.
Visit Modish Maven Boutique on the second floor of Central District at 207 S. Central Ave., Lima, OH, or shop online at modishmavenboutique.com. Whether you’re searching for the perfect outfit or a moment of inspiration, Tonya will be there—ready to help you feel at home.
