The Camera-Shy Fashionista:

Walk off the elevator that ascends you to the 2nd floor of Shops on Top, the chic retail boutique tucked away off Gratiot Avenue in Detroit's iconic Eastern Market, and you'll likely be greeted by the warm smile and style expertise of Tina Washington. What you won't see is Tina graciously offering to have her picture taken for this article.

"I'm really not a fan of being on camera," Tina admits with an apologetic grin as she takes a sip of her tea while offering me the same. "But I do love talking about fashion and helping people discover their personal style. Let me introduce you to our personal brand which is called the “Y Not Detroit” brand because we say "Live, serve, play, work and shop in Detroit “why not in Detroit."

Tina's apprehension about having her photo snapped is only outweighed by her passion for connecting customers with clothing and accessories that make them feel confident and beautiful. As the co-owner of Shops on Top along with her husband Deron, Tina has cultivated an eclectic yet focused collection that effortlessly blends Detroit pride with contemporary flair.

"I’ve been blessed to be with a partner with an amazing eye and we’ve been together for more than 32 years and in business for 34 years. Through his eyes and my eyes we get a chance to collaborate on current fashion with a twist and collaborate on different ideas and it’s really just been amazing" Tina explains as she lightly traces the intricate embroidery of a colorful jacket.?

From the colorfully patterned socks that line the walls to the locally-designed multi-colored shirts and taste-making accessories, every piece at Shops on Top seems to have been chosen with Tina's discerning eye and her customer's confidence in mind. While her face may not grace the racks, Tina's passion is evident in every garment and interaction.