Meet Michaela Blaney, the visionary owner of Mic's Market! I first heard about Michaela when my store manager mentioned a young woman from Los Angeles considering a move to Sewickley, who adored the shop, particularly the crystals and knits.
Michaela visited my boutique, tried on The Maxi Skirt in Marigold, and we hit it off immediately. She wanted to know everything about Alexis Co.'s process and my personal story, sparking a genuine connection with someone unafraid to dive into the raw and nitty-gritty side of life. I'll be honest, we cried, we laughed, and we shared emotional stories that bonded us. After returning to Los Angeles, she later moved to Sewickley, and we've been connected ever since.
Michaela's way towards following her dreams and staying true to her passions is genuinely inspiring. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her vision shine through in everything she does. Her business slogan, "It feels good to feel good," perfectly captures her mission. Michaela ensures that everyone who walks into Mic's leaves feeling their best, and she has been a steadfast supporter of Alexis Co. since we met. Enjoy Michaela's story below and her experience with Alexis Co., I know you'll love it!
"My journey to Pittsburgh and the creation of Mic's Market was deeply personal. During a Thanksgiving visit in 2022, I was struck by the scarcity of clean, healthy food. Drawing on my background in creative and digital strategy, and fueled by my passion for health and wellness, I made the bold decision to relocate from Hermosa Beach, California, to Sewickley, PA. This was the birth of Mic's Market, a haven for better-for-you food that I wholeheartedly believe in."
"I had zero background in hospitality, let alone knowledge of the food supply chain. I had only five friends in Pittsburgh. I knew it was a massive risk, but I felt called to do it. People called me crazy, but I saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled, and I followed my intuition, knowing I was meant for this. I ended up in Pittsburgh, building my dream wellness business. Long story short, I visited close friends for Thanksgiving in 2022 and couldn't help but notice how hard it was to find clean, healthy food. With my background in creative and digital strategy and my passion for creating healthy food and health education, I moved from Hermosa Beach, California, to Sewickley, PA, to open what is now Mic's Market - a better-for-you-food Mecca!"
Tell us about the first time you walked into Lex and Lynne...
I walked into Lex & Lynne during my first week here and instantly connected with Lex. We went from chatting about sweaters to a deep conversation about loss, life, health, and navigating this crazy world. The store felt whimsical, almost like a colorful dream!
Tell us about meeting Lex...
Little did we both know, but there were so many coincidences in our meeting that made us BOTH think that was meant to happen! It was, for me, an instant soul-sister connection, and we have been friends ever since.
What are you passionate about?
I am deeply passionate about health and wellness, not just for myself but for everyone I meet. In my opinion, we often forget that we only have one body, and it's our responsibility to take the best care of it. Unlike a car, we can't just get a new one. My goal is to help people lead better lives through proper nutrition and wellness. While we may have genetic predispositions, there are many things we can control to increase our chances of living our best lives and feeling our best.
I haven't always been like this. In my early thirties, I neglected my health and pushed myself too hard. Looking back, I have zero regrets except for not prioritizing my health sooner. I simply want people to feel good, that's all.
How long have you been following and shopping at Alexis Co. and what is the oldest piece in your collection?
Since the day I moved to Sewickley! Over 2 years ago! Coming here without a job, I treated myself to the chunky knit purple sweater and never looked back.
What is the most unique piece in your collection? What is your favorite piece, and why?
The luxury knit set is in a custom blue. Obsessed. Honestly, I don't play favorites — each piece has a purpose — but for the question's sake, the blue knit skirt. It is sexy yet modest and fits perfectly.
Is there a memory you have made that is tied to one of your knits?
My boyfriend's daughter, who is 5, threw on the purple chunky knit the other day when she was cold, and I thought, these pieces are absolutely timeless; when she's 16, she's going to be borrowing this from my closet, and it will be cherished and passed down. I cried a little at the thought.
How does your collection show off your personal style?
My style is a blend of laid-back and sporty, with a touch of the California beach girl in me, finished with classic pieces—it's hard to explain. These pieces from Alexis Co. perfectly reflect my style. I can effortlessly throw them on with a white tank or jeans, and instantly, I look chic and stylish without the hassle of 'styling'.
How do you give back to your community?
With Mic's, my community sees that I am offering better food so you can live healthier lives. Yes, it's a business, but the passion behind it is what makes it Mic's. I'm not just trying to sell something. I'm trying to sell something that provides energy, vitality, and nourishment! The health industry is a trillion-dollar industry; it is meant to be profitable, there is no doubt. But I want to make it easy and have all the best products under one roof. One is made by moms trying to nourish their children and fill a gap in the consumer goods space. And things that you can't find in other places. I also want to remind people that food is supposed to be healthy AND taste good. I am trying to simplify the message and make it fun and easy!
Can you tell us a little bit about "Mic's Blue"?
Mic's is all about feeling good. When choosing the logo and color, everyone suggested colors that didn't quite make me feel good — green (classic wellness) and muddy blue (blah). The truth is, the blue circle came from the idea of the "blue plate special": protein, starch, and veggies all on a plate—returning to simpler ways of eating. I realized that soft sky blue is one of my favorite colors in the world. Anyone who looks at it feels soft and good, like a perfectly blue sky on a sunny day. And now my whole life is Mic's blue, even my clothes!
Do you travel in your Alexis Co.? If so we would love to hear about it, or a short story! And if you have pictures, please share!
I just opened a new business, so truthfully, I have no time to travel. But I am heading off for a little beach vacation with my new blue set and will 100% be sharing those photos! Stay tuned!
What about Alexis Co. has you coming back each season?
Simply put, they stay in style.
For coaching and recipes, visit www.michaelablaney.com, and follow @michaelablaney and @eatmics on Instagram! Learn more about Mic's today, visit www.eatmics.com!
Michaela is wearing The Maxi Skirt and The Seasonal Top in Periwinkle, and the Lilac Crop Sweater. Explore her curated picks from Alexis Co. and use code MICSBLUE to enjoy 10% off her favorites, available for a limited time only!
