Today we’d like to introduce you to Mindy McGill.
Hi Mindy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2008 with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and started working in that field shortly thereafter. In that profession, I met my husband, and we started a family. Our first son was born in 2014, and we made the decision that I would leave the workforce to stay home with our child. We welcomed a second son in 2017.
Although my favorite job was Mom and being home with my boys, I realized I missed having a part in the community and a career outside of the home. In 2019, I made a plan to turn my passion for shopping and creating into a business. As a child, I fondly remember spending time with my grandmother, and memories of shopping with her always stood out. I knew if we had a girl, I would name my daughter after her. Livvy Mae was our name saved for a baby girl, but we had only had boys. I decided it would the perfect name for a women’s clothing store! I worked on founding Livvy Mae Boutique that summer with plans to be an online business.
I attended my first show that October, and loved seeing my customers face to face. In early 202o, I was presented with an offer to split a brick and mortar space with another boutique. We signed the lease before Covid, and we excitedly prepared to open our storefront. Due to covid restrictions, we did end up having to delay our opening with added precautions to May of that year. The first year was hard, as I wasn’t sure what “normal” numbers should be! In Fall of 2020, we welcomed our third boy, and I was a little relieved I didn’t have to reuse my boutique name. Despite struggles in retail and growing responsibilities at home, we endured and persisted on.
In Fall of 2021, I made the decision to move into my very own storefront located in Auburn, Kentucky, where my kids attended school. This is where our storefront still resides today. We still operate online and ship our products to states all over the country. We continue to build our local business as well, reaching surrounding counties. Our goal is to continue to grow online and in store!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles are commonplace in our industry, as retail itself is a very seasonal business.
One of our biggest challenges was opening our first storefront in 2020, in the height of Covid. We donned masks and steamed garments after each person tried them on. We took precautions and followed restrictions. We weren’t sure if people would come out to shop during this uncertain time. Thankfully, we did still have customers. We found that people sought normalcy, and even though there weren’t many places to go to wear a new outfit, they still wanted to shop. We learned that even in hardship, we can find ways to persevere.
We currently are undergoing a new challenge, as the economy is taking a toll on people financially. Our summer months were some of the lowest sales months since 2020, and we are trying to figure out how to combat this new atmosphere.
As you know, we’re big fans of Livvy Mae Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Livvy Mae Boutique is a small business with a big heart. Yes, we offer clothing and shoes and jewelry, but we strive to be more than just a retail space. We strive to make our customers feel welcomed and accepted. We strive to be active in our community and give back to those that make our business possible.
Our storefront houses a cute little kids corner by the fitting rooms, where our Moms can feel comfortable allowing their children to play while they browse the store. We’ve often thrown a ball with a toddler or held a new baby so a Mom could take her time looking around the store.
We love talking to our customers and finding out what’s going on in their lives. We never push, but we are always ready with an open ear if someone is having a hard day. One of our missions is mental health awareness, and we’ve often cried with our customers as we exchange stories of grief and loss. We’ve also cheered them on in their happiest moments and greatest successes.
We help organize and attend community events like our “Boo Bash,” that give back. We set up our mobile trailer, decorated with fun characters, and hand out candy and goodies to the kiddos. We also love hosting activities at the store like our recent Mardi Gras celebration where kids and adults were welcomed to create masks for our small town Mardi Gras parade. We are planning a pumpkin decorating event where ladies can get together and craft something unique for the Fall season.
I lost my brother to suicide in 2021, and one of our most beloved missions is reaching out to those who have had similar struggles. Each September, during National Suicide Prevention Month, we curate a collection of graphic tees with messages of hope and solidarity. We encourage people with designs like, “Be Kind,” “End the Stigma,” “Mental Health Matters,” “Worthy,” or “Continue: Your Story Is Not Over.” We participate in the AFSP Out of the Darkness walk in nearby Bowling Green and donate portions of our proceeds to the cause of suicide prevention and awareness.
We recognize that each person that walks through our door has a story. They may need an outfit for a funeral, or a baby shower. They may be searching for the perfect dress to attend a wedding, or an outfit for a new job. They may be shopping for fun, or filled with a purpose. Life is full of events that call for unique clothing. We realize, like our sign in the store jokingly says, “I’m much nicer when I like my outfit.” We truly believe feeling confident in your clothing gives you the freedom to face life’s ups and downs a little more boldly. We strive to let people know we care, to reach out and be supportive, to be a safe landing place.
What started as a creative outlet and fun way to share a passion for something as simple as shopping, has brought about a mission to share and serve.
How do you think about happiness?
Happiness is found in the giggles of my boys. Their bright twinkling eyes and wide grins.
Happiness is found in my husband’s embrace. His strong hands that hold me in place and his kind words that build me up.
Happiness is found in being surrounded by family. Their excited voices and stories and memories shared.
Happiness is found in nature. Hiking to a pristine lake and watching the sunrise over a reflection of gorgeous mountains.
Happiness is found in purpose. Knowing you achieved a goal or perfected a process.
Happiness is found in food. Enjoying a meal prepared just to lift your spirits and ease your burdens after a hard day.
Happiness is found in community. Joining a cause and watching others sharing an unspeakable bond with a purpose.
Happiness is found in simplicity. Coordinating an outfit that matches just right with jewelry and shoes.
Happiness is found all around. Watching people build each other up. Watching animals frolic in a field. Watching the stars twinkle in the midnight sky or the crisp white clouds move across the perfect blue sky day.
Happiness is found in hope. Looking to the future with positivity. Believing the world can do good and be better. Praying it finds my children being happy too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://livvymaeboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livvymaeboutique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivvyMaeBoutique/
