All About Us
Dragonfly and Birch is a store designed to bring joy into people's lives and creativity into their homes. The Dragonfly symbolizes transformation, self-realization, and adaptability. The Birch symbolizes new beginnings, growth, adaptability, protection, hope, good luck, and healing. These are the concepts that define my business.
Our store in historic downtown Manchester, Michigan features a unique and fun variety of creations from Michigan artists and craftspeople. Our focus on nature and sustainability is the theme that ties everything together. In the new year we have exciting things planned such as a move to a larger location a few doors down and a series of classes held in both locations. Thanks for being with us on this journey! We're excited to have you along!
STORE HOURS
REGULAR HOURS
Wednesday 12 - 6
Thursday 12 - 6
Friday 12 - 6
Saturday 11 - 3
HOLIDAY HOURS THROUGH DEC. 23
Wednesday, Friday 11 - 6
Thursday 12 - 8
Saturday 10 - 4
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
November 25, 2023 10 - 8
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Owner/Chief Creative Officer
Merrill Guerra, Owner, is an experienced entrepreneur with over 20 years as a business owner. As the Broker/Owner of Red Barn Realty LLC, she has been a professional marketer for sellers and an energetic and hard-working advocate for buyers with over 10 years’ experience as a Realtor®.
As Executive Director of the Michigan Venture Capital Association, she increased membership revenues by 50%, Annual Report sponsorship by 125% and implemented a complete overhaul of financial and accounting procedures resulting in better income/expense tracking. Prior to her role with the MVCA, she was the CEO and Founder of RealKidz, Inc., a start up company providing branded apparel for plus-size girls. While there she secured over $500,000 in capital investment, secured design and manufacturing resources, conceived and implemented unique processes to minimize product returns; and achieved a one-tenth of one-percent refund ratio by developing a right fit framework.
Merrill received a B.A. from Stanford University and an M.B.A. from Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. She was recognized by the National Association of Women Business Owners with the 2009 Pioneering Spirit Award, Zell Lurie as its MBA Entrepreneur of the Year in 2008, as well as the Michigan Business Review as a finalist for its 2009 Innovation Michigan Awards and StartUp Nation as one of the Top 200 Leading Moms in Business for 2009. As CEO and Founder of RealKidz, Inc., a start-up company providing branded apparel for plus-size girls located in Depot Town, she generated extensive press coverage in BusinessWeek, NewYorkTimes.com, Women Entrepreneur, The Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor Business Review, and Crain's Detroit Business.
Merrill feels a strong commitment to her community. Before moving to Manchester in 2021, Merrill supported several local community and school organizations through volunteering, leadership, sponsorships, and advertising such as Ypsilanti Community High School, Lincoln School Athletics, Lincoln Little League, Lincoln High School Drama and Band, Relay for Life, and Community Music. She has served non-profit organizations throughout her career such as filling the role of President for the Depot Town Association Community Development Corporation, an organization promoting economic development in Ypsilanti, Michigan. She was the founder and first president of the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers, the founder and coordinator of the Stanford in Michigan Women’s Group, and served as the President and Treasurer for Chapter BP of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, an organization with national and regional projects supporting women’s education.
Since moving to Manchester, she has become an active volunteer with the Manchester Area Historical Society, Manchester Area Garden Club, and member of the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority.