Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie Simmons.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a retired school counselor who did the retirement thing for a year and went stir crazy. I had always had antique shops or gift shops I ran during the summers and a building came up for lease and my husband asked how much was rent. . . So we rented it and Marmee’s came to fruition. I started with just antiques and gifts but a friend of mine joined me with childrens clothing and women were always saying they wished that came in their size. So, I checked out some suppliers and found some awesome unique clothes for women. Since I have always been a curvy girl I made sure to carry clothing in all sizes even up to 5XL if I can find cute things… The clothing started taking off and the boutique continued growing so that now my shop is more boutique than anything else. My business started in Odessa and moved to Warrensburg in a bigger space in 2022.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I opened my store in February of 2020 and had to close the doors in March because of COVID. Then opened back up in June with limited hours and face masks. Through it all I have continued to grow in inventory and sales. This past year has been very hard financially since the economy is struggling and so my shop is struggling. I have a three year lease though, so I am toughing it out!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have always loved shopping at Boutiques because of the offering of unique clothing options. But I was always chubby and they usually didn’t have my size. Marmee’s has grown a reputation for carrying larger sizes along with the smaller ones. My store does not have a plus size area. All clothes are together because all women are the same. We love looking and feeling good in our clothing. We all want cute, trendy clothes. I curate an offering of clothing in all sizes and styles. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s so I am drawn to boho designs. think Stevie Nicks… I love lace, ruffles, layers, and that is what I have here in the shop. I still have my antiques and gifts throughout the store though that are available too. I love holidays and really push decor during those times. A few of the name brands I carry are Judy Blue Jeans, POL, Easel, Umgee, A Rare Bird and Market of the Stars.
Ultimately I am still a teacher though and my new location has a large room in the back so I have started offering classes on some Saturdays. We teach crochet, sewing, card making and have even had a Bob Ross trained painting class.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I have the very best friends and family that support me daily be sending me messages and encouraging me. I listen to 70’s and 80’s music and I dance at the shop. I also encourage customers to sing and dance while they are shopping.
Pricing:
- I have a wide range of prices from low priced to high end and higher priced clothing. I have variety.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.marmees.net
- Instagram: @marmeesdowntown
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarmeesGifts
