Local Business Thrives as a Mom-and-Pop Clothing Establishment
Photographer / Jason Graves
Faith plays an important role in many peoples lives. For Jacqueline Beeler, her faith is displayed in her business as well as her everyday life. Beeler owns Without Borders Boutique in Atlanta, Indiana.
Around five years ago I started selling womens clothing for a larger company, Beeler says. Then about two-and-a-half years ago I decided to try and go out on my own.
The meaning behind the boutiques name is twofold.
I had purchased a vintage camper and I used it as a backdrop for some of my events, Beeler says. We can kind of just pick up and travel anywhere to go to different events, and we meet people all over the place. The name made sense in that aspect.
Additionally, the name is closely tied to Beelers faith.
The main factor behind the name was lyrics to one of my favorite songs by Hillsong [United], Beeler says. The main lyrics are, Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders. For some reason, when I was coming up with a name, that just kept running through my head. I was worried about making a change from the other company to being 100% on my own. The lyrics just felt right.
The boutique sells items that women of any size can wear, including dresses, tops, bottoms, outerwear and accessories.
I will only carry an item if I can offer it in size small through plus-size, Beeler says. I feel like that is important to people, for my clothing to be all-inclusive.
The boutique is located in a barn on Beelers property in Atlanta.
I started out with a mini-barn, but then realized I needed a bigger space, Beeler says. In August I had a bigger barn built on our property, which I call the barntique.
Beelers children played a role in the boutiques location close to her home.
I have two small kids at home, so the idea of having the boutique on our property was important, Beeler says. I wanted to have a business where I could still revolve everything around them as much as I needed to.
The store is open by appointment only, and for online shopping.
Since the barntique is on our property, we are not in a traditional retail setting where we would get walk-in business off the street, Beeler says. The main reason I do appointments, though, is so I am available for my children, Wyatt and Scarlett, and my teenage stepdaughters who live in Fortville – Mackenzie and Alexis.
Many of Beelers clients contact her through her Facebook page to set appointment times.
If Im doing any events Ill post on my Facebook page, Beeler says. People message me through Facebook to set appointments to shop. Im pretty flexible with times.
Beeler has previously done pop-up shops at Hamilton Town Center, and participated in small-business Saturday events as well.
For more information on Without Borders Boutique, call 317-503-9617 and visit them online.
