Small Business Spotlight: Laura’s Boutique
Happy Monday! Welcome back to my small business spotlight feature and today it is Small Business Spotlight: Laura’s Boutique.
I hope my small business spotlight will encourage all of you to shop the small businesses in your own communities and show Abilene the gems they have in theirs.
I am meeting so many amazing women and today is another…Laura of Laura’s Boutique in Chimney Plaza at 3214 South 27th.
I told you recently how I happened upon this retail strip center where all of the businesses are women owned and run.
It is quite amazing…and fun!
So, come along with me today and meet Laura and visit her boutique.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LAURA’S BOUTIQUE, SERVING OVER 40 YEARS
That’s right, Laura has owned her boutique for over 40 years…quite an accomplishment.
The minute you enter the doors, you understand this is a welcoming and enjoyable place to be.
Laura works there alongside her daughter, Laura Ann, and a sweet assistant, Emily.
I have stopped by twice and both times, the boutique was busy with customers.
In listening to the conversations, these are long time customers who know Laura understands them and their needs.
While I was there, Laura sent a blouse into one dressing room, and told her daughter…“take this to her, I know she will like it.”
And the customer did! That was the piece she came out wanting to purchase.
This type of shopping makes the experience less intimidating and more successful.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LAURA’S BOUTIQUE, MORE THAN CLOTHING
I think we all know in this blog community that dressing confidently is more than just clothing…it can be empowering.
And, often, a successful boutique owner becomes like any bar tender or hair stylist….a therapist in many ways and a place where everyone knows your name.
While I was at Laura’s, this joyful customer, Jana, came in just to show Laura her outfit of the day.
She had purchased the pieces at Laura’s and was so excited to have the weather to wear it out and about.
Jana teared up thanking Laura for all she has done for her in helping her communicate her best self with her clothing.
It was a special moment, and I loved being a witness to her joy.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LAURA’S BOUTIQUE, FASHION FOOTPRINT
For the small business spotlight, I asked Laura what most women over 50, 60 and beyond are shopping for when they come in.
She noted two things…
“First, they do not want to look old. I carry current clothing that is not funky trendy, but Is current fashion they can enjoy.”
Secondly,
“We are a color store. Women want color…and I do have neutrals for those who want that color focus.”
Also, she has built her business around exclusive lines.
She is the only retailer in Abilene to carry such lines as French Dressing Jeans out of Montreal; Joh Apparel; and Tribal Fashions. (to name a few)
In fact, Laura will be traveling to Montreal this spring for sales meetings…quite an accomplishment for a small community boutique.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LAURA’S BOUTIQUE, IN THE DRESSING ROOM
I did hit the dressing room to try on a few pieces to demonstrate that Laura is interested in dressing every size and age of woman.
When I first walked in, I swooned over the accessory collection…it is so much fun…and makes It easy to accessorize the pieces you are trying on…like we did here.
She has set up lovely dressing rooms and the mirrors we need to see all sides.
I ordered this sweater top in a taupe color and one size down…loved it.
Many of the designs from Joh Apparel are creative and fun.
Like this Suraya Brushed Coat with Fur.
Of course, Laura has several color options in this coat.
If she doesn’t have your size, it is merely a phone call to her trusted suppliers.
I am so impressed with Laura and her staff, and completely understand how she has been in business for such a long time.
Abilene ladies, make sure you visit or send your husband’s for a Christmas gift card! That would be fun!
And, I hope I am inspiring the rest of you to find similar boutiques in your community and to support the owners.
They are part of a community’s lifeblood and need our support.
Find more about her boutique at LAURA’S BOUTIQUE.
Thank you for joining me today for the SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: LAURA’S BOUTIQUE.
I have been asked to show you what I am wearing here while out and about, so tomorrow, I have some of those looks for you to see. Until then……
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
I was encouraged to explain more about my SHOPPING LINKS page and how to use it.
I am an affiliate for many different brands and when you click on those brands and shop, then I receive a small commission.
This is such an important income for me and my family.
I have tried to include the brands most shopped by this audience, but sometimes I miss one of your favorites.
If you will tell me what you are shopping, then I can tell you if I am affiliate for them and give you that link…if it is not already on the page.
What a great shop! I love the feeling of being valued as a customer. I can tell you will be a regular visitor. I really liked you in the black, and my favourite photo from your website is one from a few years ago wearing a navy dress. I know you had a colour consultation and it is rare to see you in these two colours. It may be something for you to consider including going forward.
Hi Irene, I wear navy often and it is in my color palette. I was not shopping for me in the pictures, but to show you what types of garments Laura carries. I did purchase one item in a taupe. Around town, I am a warm autumn palette and that is what hangs in my closet. Dressing room photos are often for the readers and not for me. Thanks! Tomorrow I will show you what I am wearing around town and mostly it is in my palette.
What a welcoming, interesting, colorful shop! Laura reminds me of a few ladies who owned small shops in the little town in Alabama where I grew up. They would call my Mama to come see something they had received, and she’d often purchase things they recommended. That personal touch is difficult to find in larger department stores, but must be the lifeblood of small businesses. And…not I’m sure you have made another new friend in Abilene!
I can see why Laura’s boutique has been in business for 40 years. I love what she said “I carry current clothing that is not funky trendy, but Is current fashion they can enjoy.” And of course the shop is full of color. I’ve always liked shopping in small boutiques for the selection and the personal service. I lived for many years in a resort area that featured many and I even worked at one. Here there are only a couple and I do visit them fairly frequently. Thanks for introducing us to her. Happy Monday.
Hi Celia, it is refreshing to find these amazing women and their businesses. In a community, where the large department stores are few, they are so important.
Happy Monday, Kathie. I can tell she is a true gem to her customers! I enjoyed watching her work with them!
I love this series and learning about such strong women.
Well, you are making me want to visit or move to Abilene!
I am so glad you are enjoying it, Missy.
Come on over, Marcia! At least a visit is always a good idea!
Another enticing post! There are so many pluses about this shop. It reminds me of the service I used to get while growing up. You are quickly making inroads in your new locale. It sure helps with the transition!
When I was 16, we were living in a nearby West Texas Town where I attended high school. At that time, I was allowed to work at a local boutique…it was called Skibelle’s. That is where I fell in love with the fashion industry and with the boutique experience. I loved watching the owners work with the local women…it made such a lasting impression on me. I am thrilled to discover women like that again in my new community.
Thanks Deborah!
As a Canadian, French Dressing and Tribal are two of the few lines that carry Petites in my area. They fit my mature body very well and stay fresh and shaped for many years. I wish this boutique was close to me.
I know…we need more small businesses like the ones I have found!
What a great find. What I like most is that the owner and staff will make good suggestions. I find I tend to buy the same things and this would be helpful. I like the story about the woman who came in to thank them. She looked so happy.
She really was…so happy!
What a wonderful shop! We lost our boutique shops in the pandemic and so far none have come back. Our town is pretty small to support these great shops. They do well in the summer when the tourists are here but that just wasn’t sustainable during covid. Now we have Walmart, Big R and Tractor Supply. Everything else is 50+ miles away in Colorado Springs. Sad. You are so lucky to have found a new friend and her lovely very personal shop. This is why I shop online, it is my only choice. You didn’t mention the velvet pants you had on but I loved that color on you.
Hi Sydney, those are corduroy and they will be linked tomorrow! Thanks!
It’s really a great idea to feature local boutiques. I bet they are really happy to be featured on your site.
I hope so, Nancy. I love to honor women doing exceptional work!
I love boutiques, but I don’t think I’ve ever purchased anything from one. I guess maybe I feel a little intimidated by them, and sometimes they are a bit pricey.
This is a nice series you are doing!
Actually I have found them to be priced in line with most places I shop. Most boutiques offer you designs you won’t see other places and that makes shopping more fun…plus it is hard to beat the customer service! You should give them a try.
Have you been to Cordell’s? I loved it and still miss it since I moved to Lubbock.
I have not been there! Thanks for telling me about it, Joy.