After a few minutes of canvassing Blue Door Boutique in the heart of downtown Frisco, shoppers can see why owners Glenda McMichael and JoAnn Fritz have been successful. On display with a distinctive inventory of items ranging from lingerie to antiques is their unflagging optimism.

One wall poster reads, "Follow your dreams and 'Never say never.'" Another sign reads, "A leap of faith never fails." Copies of the book "Believe" are for sale on shelves in several locations.

The store opened in August 2008, and the pair drew from their sunny disposition when the economy immediately took a downturn.

"If we can handle that after just opening for business, we can handle anything," Fritz said.

The pair recently celebrated Blue Door's fifth anniversary with a packed house, free wine and cupcakes. The store has become a cornerstone of Frisco's Main Street Merchants, standing out for its broad array of offerings. Blue Door features an eclectic collection.

"We are not your everyday shop," Fritz said. "We are one-stop shopping."

Among the items on display are boots, books, jeans, throw pillows, greeting cards, frames, artwork, purses, toys, soaps and lotions.

The shop has something for almost any need, whether a customer is looking to spruce up a wardrobe or find a gift for a baby shower. Prices fit almost any budget, from dollar knick-knacks to an $800 antique mirror.

"We are a great place for a husband to stop for a birthday or anniversary present," McMichael said. "We've got something for all tastes. And if the husband doesn't find something they like, they can always get their wife a gift certificate and let her come down and pick it out for herself."

The Blue Door pair said picking distinctive items is their strength. In addition to the Dallas Trade Mart, they travel to Los Angeles and Las Vegas to pick up clothes and to Atlanta for gifts. Fritz travels across Texas and the nation looking for antiques.

They also don't mind stocking their store with special items from close to home. Among the jewelry they carry, for example, are Julio Designs and Expressions. Both are made by Frisco-based artists.

"Our customers tell us we do a good job of picking out stuff for our shop," Fritz said. "That is really important to us. We try to put our customers first and that includes service. We are proud of our customer service."

The pair is well suited to run a small business.

McMichael ran a Christian day care center, Fingerprints, for almost two decades before selling it earlier this year. Fritz grew up antiquing with her parents. She now also runs a heating and air-conditioning company, Richardson Mechanical, with her husband.

About Blue Door

It is easy to spot Blue Door Boutique because the shop has a big blue door at its entrance. "There's not any good story about it," owner JoAnn Fritz says. "We were just sitting around throwing out ideas and liked it."

The Fritz-McMichael union was born during years spent at fields as soccer moms. Their daughters played select soccer together for several seasons, and the two often shared thoughts and dreams as they sat at games.

The owners take an active role in the Main Street Merchants, with Fritz serving as secretary of the organization. They are proud of the growth in the area and of events like the food fest, Frisco StrEATS, held each year in April.

Blue Door offers online shopping at bluedoorboutiqueonline.com. On the website, customers can sign up to receive an email newsletter. Find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thebluedoorboutique

  • 6975 Main St., Frisco, 214-705-7701, www.bluedoorboutique.com,

Hours:

10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Sat.

www.facebook.com/thebluedoorboutique