Page 82 - SLO Visitor's Guide - Fall 2022

Paso Robles
The Blenders is a local treasure trove
A unique blend
of clothing and cosmetics are offered
For over 45 years, The Blenders, located in downtown Paso Ro- bles, has created a sense of commu- nity and passion for fashion, skin care, and cosmetics among locals and visitors. The Blenders remains true to its namesake by offering
a ‘blend’ of unique items, special orders, and beauty consultations to the San Luis Obispo community. The Blenders was opened by Barbara Lewin in 1974, offer- ing Merle Norman Cosmetics, clothing, accessories, coffee and tea, and miscellaneous products that drew people into the store to find the perfect holiday gift
or enjoy a hot drink and peruse the products. Her daughter, Lori
Alpert, was part of her sales team and daily business ventures at
The Blenders while engaging in her career in wholesale apparel, and after the 2003 San Simeon earthquake, became partners with her mother until Barbara’s passing in 2019.
“The most rewarding aspect of working at The Blenders are the customers. After 47 years, our customers are not just customers, they become friends. Having a business in this com- munity that is part of my heri- tage is a blessing. Carrying on my mother’s legacy is fulfilling and I sure have some big shoes to fill! But I hear her guiding
me every day,” said Lori. Mom was driven, passionate, engaged in the community, and a great salesperson. I learned a great deal from her...We each had our strengths that we brought to the business.”
Carrying wholesome skin care and cosmetics products
and offering complimentary makeovers with Merle Norman Cosmetics, which are manufac- tured in the USA, is an integral component of The Blenders. Just a sampling of the Merle Norman Cosmetics products offered are skin care collections for all skin types with the latest technology.
Also included are palettes for lips and eyes, Merle Norman’s foundation with dermatologist suggested ingredients such as zinc, and products geared toward anti-aging.
“The Merle Norman motto is ‘try before you buy’ which is the concept we uphold at The Blend- ers. We encourage anyone look- ing for new skin care or makeup to come in and try before replenishing. We don’t encourage buying lots of different products that will sit on the shelf, but to focus on skin care first as your makeup only looks as good as what’s underneath!” said Alpert, who notes that the consultation studio follows COVID sanita- tion protocol and also offers ear piercings.
“We would like the commu- nity to know how grateful we are for your support over the years and especially during this past couple of years full of challenges! We have become a destination community and we have a lot
to offer. The Blenders offers a different selection than the other wonderful stores and if we don’t offer what you are looking for, we definitely refer to the other businesses. Now more than ever, keep your shopping local and support the local businesses” Lori said. For staying with con- nected The Blenders about new arrivals or sales, follow them
on Facebook and on and their Instagram at ‘theblenders.merle- norman’.
Whether you are looking for a new skin care products or a fun new clothing item The Blenders offers a unique selection of your retail needs. Real women, real sizes! We celebrate beauty in all ages, shapes and sizes!
The Blenders is located at 538 12th St in Paso Robles. Open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sun. For more information, call
(805) 238-5554 or visit theblenderspasorobles.com.
— Sadie Mae Mace
• Volunteer
• Adoption Program
• Sponsor a horse
• Take a guided sanctuary tour
• Educational and community outreach
Tuesday thru Saturday from 10am-3pm by Appointment Only
(805) 237-3751
6875 Union Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446 P.O. Box 186, Paso Robles, CA 93447
Donations can be made on our website:
www.redwingshorsesanctuary.org info@redwingshorsesanctuary.org
Photo Credit: Deborah Hofstetter
82 FALL 2022
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