Today we’d like to introduce you to Misti Moore.
Hi Misti, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Teaching was my first career, but I wanted more creativity and flexibility. Entrepreneurship was always on my radar. In 2015, after my son had an ATV accident, I took some time off to help him with his recovery. More time to think about my future created a crazy idea of buying a bus for my business. I started “boutique-ing in a small school bus known as Bus Shop Boutique. After a year “on the road,“ I decided it was time to open a brick and mortar, which we named The Purple Corn Boutique. The first year was scary, but we quickly gained support from the community. We were located in a tiny building on the square owned by Mr. Cliff McClure who I still look up to. I am grateful he gave me a chance in his building. I was a teacher, and had no real business experience before this. We haven’t slowed down since. My husband, Richard, is always helping out in every way possible. He has been my biggest supporter since Day 1. Richard is my photographer, handyman, marketing guru, and so much more. Serving our community has become a way of life for us now.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Business is full of ups and downs. Flexibility and the ability to roll with the punches is of utmost importance. Of course, Covid was a very difficult time. We were able to do well by implementing different shopping experiences via social media, offering home delivery and curbside pickup. But even more difficult was my most recent move back to downtown Dawsonville after about 5 years of being located on the 400 corridor. After getting established in that area since 2019 serving a wider community, we were forced to move by the owners of the shopping center in 2024. It was very difficult to find a suitable space. When I found this location at 59 Main St., it was a blank slate since no one had ever occupied it. That was great because we were able to design it to fit our needs, but it was a lot of work and expense. Making the best of what is thrown at us is part of what makes us better and stronger. We are believers that if God brings us to it, He will bring us through it.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Purple Corn Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
When you visit us, know that you are important and valued. Whether you make a purchase or not, we make every effort to be kind and helpful. We want to continue to build up our customers. We know that the best advertising is word of mouth. We try to spread joy and positivity to all who enter. The Purple Corn Boutique works daily to offer fun, comfortable clothes with modest styles while offering an unmatched level of customer service. Offering a personalized approach to service to each individual is a daily goal we aim to meet.
The Purple Corn Boutique claims to be ‘Your Hometown Boutique.” We love everything local! We support local businesses here in our community and as we travel – no matter the distance. We shop at local hardware stores, antique stores, eat at local restaurants, stay at mom and pop hotels and campgrounds. Small business is what built America. We support our community by sponsoring ball teams, school PTA, chorus, local performing arts, local church fundraisers, etc. We love selling Dawson Tigers spiritwear and catering to our locals as well as visitors. The Purple Corn also hosts other small businesses to do pop up in the store from time to time. We must support each other! Once you visit The Purple Corn Boutique, we hope you feel like part of our hometown.
Shopping local is a must! Small business needs the support of the community, and the community needs the support of small business. When shopping at The Purple Corn Boutique, you get fantastic customer service, a beautiful space to shop, you can feel the fabrics, try on the clothes for fit, ask for assistance, and support a small business. If there is something special you are looking for, we do our best to find it for you. Shopping online doesn’t offer any of that. It may save you a few dollars, but that online only business is not building relationships with customers or community.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Yes, I am a risk taker. I had zero business experience, very little retail experience, and no money. But I had ambition, a dream, and a credit card. A business began that is now almost 10 years old.
If you don’t put yourself out there, regardless of what area of life, nothing happens. One must be willing to work hard and take chances if you want to see results.
I take risks on every item I purchase for the store. You never know if others will like it or be willing to pay the price for it. I am always tinkering with different styles, brands, and price points to see what works best for my customers.
I also take risks by modeling all of my clothing items with no filters, putting myself on social media, and trusting that I will make a profit.
Pricing:
- Accessories starting at $3
- Tops starting at $20
- Jeans starting at $59
- Dresses starting at $29
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.purplecornboutique.com
- Instagram: Instagram – @purplecornboutique
- Facebook: Facebook – @thepurplecornboutique
- Other: TikTok – @purplecorn16
