Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Beard.
Hi Betty, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey started in Hattiesburg, MS. At the time, I was a single mother. I decided in order for me to survive as a single mother, I needed more income so I decided to open up a boutique selling unique clothes, accessories, wedding dresses, and hair. I eventually got married and had another son. My husband decided to move us from Mississippi to Georgia. Moving to a place where I had no family or friends forced me put my boutique dreams to the side and pursue my college career by going back into the school system as a teacher. That way, I could keep an eye on my boys. I was happy and content but still long to do more. I wanted to sell things but was too afraid because no one here knew me. The pandemic came and that made for me to have extra time on my hands. I started experimenting with bleach T-shirts. People would see me making them and ask if they could buy one. The shirts instantly became a hit. I was so proud of myself. I came up with the business name Over Yonder. Over Yonder is a brand created to share with the world my upbringing and southern Mississippi roots. The style and experience gives a person a taste of southern personality with southern hospitality. I opened up a store on Etsy that did so well I decided to open up an online boutique with one of a kind finds. My passion that was birth in Mississippi finally made its way to Georgia.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Of course, there has been struggles along the way. There were so many losses and mistakes at the beginning that I questioned myself wondering if I really had what it took to run this business. A lot of times, we take our eyes off of what God blessed us with to peek at others who are doing the same as us and instantly, we get discouraged thinking that those people are doing so much better than us. I had to learn that Over Yonder is not a race. It’s a pace, a marathon that’s has its own lane, it’s own purpose and its own destination.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I tell people all the time I’m a teacher by day and a store owner by night. It works hand and hand. I ultimately created Over Yonder to help fund my nonprofit organization called the Bus Stop Ministry. The Bus Stop ministry is a nonprofit that aims to impact and improve the lives of our children. Because of Over Yonder, this nonprofit organization is able to give out free backpacks, laptops, toys on Christmas, clothes, help pay bills, tuition, etc. I’m proud of myself for taking the love I have for children and my passion for fashion and creating the perfect reality for myself. And that’s what sets me apart, I’m living out my God-given will happily and comfortably while simultaneously changing children and customer’s lives.
How do you think about luck?
I really don’t believe in luck. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. If it’s good or bad, there’s a reason to it all. A lesson to be learned and something to grow from.
Contact Info:
- Email: Overyonder85@gmail.com
- Website: www.overyonderstore.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/overyonder85
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/overyonder85
- Other: www.Etsy.com/shop/overyonderyonder
Image Credits
Photography: Paul Jae Photography
