In case you haven’t noticed, Brooklyn Heights isn’t hip. Historic, we are. Charming, leafy, peaceful and the best place in the city to raise children. But can you really say we’re “hip” and keep a straight face?

Now, an enterprising, young woman has challenged our somewhat staid persona. Her name is Hermian Charles and her tiny boutique on the northeast corner of Montague and Hicks Streets is called Blue Rose. This men and women’s clothing store is as fresh, edgy and, yes, hip as anything you’d find in Williamsburg, Chelsea or Park Slope.

Hermian, who also owns two successful shops in the Slope, has spotted a spark of adventurousness in the suited guys and young moms who have stopped by her store. She’s out to feed the flame.

After a 15-year long career in the health care industry where she taught hospital administrators how to computerize their records. Hermian decided she could no longer deny her DN A. With a mother who was a seamstress and a brother who owns a tailor shop in her native Grenada, it’s not surprising that Hermian’s heart has always been in fashion. Rifle through the racks and stacks at Blue Rose and you’ll see the result. Cocktail dresses, evening gowns, denim, dress shirts, even ties. Hip ties. And jewelry by Brooklyn Heights designers.

Hermian, who lives in Cobble Hill with her husband and 3-year old daughter, has an almost family-like relationship with young and exciting designers, including the green, green company that makes women’s Ts out of, get this: bamboo!

Blue Rose is just the kind of independent retailer we welcome to the Heights. It has character and individuality you won’t find at the chains. And it responds to the changing demographics of our neighborhood. Whether it’s your cup or tea or not, it’s a breath of fresh air.