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, sustainability, and fun is the theme that ties everything together. We are not only a store, but we are a gathering place to enjoy a relaxing cuppa tea or Michigan wine. We are also offering classes both in the new location as well as in The Annex where we started. Thanks for being with us on this journey! We're excited to have you along!
STORE HOURS
REGULAR HOURS
Wednesday 11 - 5
Thursday 12 - 6
Friday 12 - 6
Saturday 11 - 3
Owner/Chief Creative Officer
Merrill Guerra, Owner, is an experienced entrepreneur with over 20 years as a business owner. She opened Dragonfly and Birch in July 2023. As Broker/Owner of Red Barn Realty LLC, she has been a professional marketer for sellers and an energetic, hard-working advocate for buyers with over 10 years’ experience as a Realtor®. Merrill has been certified by the Graduate Realtor Institute and as a Seller Representative Specialist.
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.
Merrill feels a strong commitment to her community. She is currently serving on the Downtown Development Authority board as well as on the Michigan Main Street Committee. Merrill volunteers for the Manchester Area Historical Society as the Gift Shop Coordinator. She is also active in the business community working with the Manchester Business Group that she helped form, as well as committees coordinating several major community events such as Christmas in the Village, Witches Night Out, and Small Business Saturday. Merrill has served non-profit organizations throughout her career notably filling the role of President for the Depot Town Association Community Development Corporation, an organization promoting economic development in Ypsilanti, Michigan as well as founding and serving as the first president of the Michigan chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers.