Today we’d like to introduce you to Phylicia Thompson.
Hi Phylicia, 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?
I started 2 Beatz Boutique in 2016, originally as an online boutique. The name 2 Beatz actually comes from my two children—“2 Beatz like 2 heartbeats”—so from the very beginning, this business has been incredibly personal to me.
What started online eventually grew into a mobile boutique, and I spent time taking the boutique to different events and communities. That experience really helped me understand my customer and, more importantly, showed me that there was something special about creating an experience around fashion.
In 2023, I took one of the biggest steps in my journey and opened my first brick-and-mortar location in downtown Wichita. Since May of 2023, I’ve been a full-time entrepreneur, and I’ve learned so much about what it takes to actually run and grow a business, from buying inventory and marketing to managing the day-to-day operations and figuring things out when things don’t go according to plan.
Today, 2 Beatz is so much more than a clothing boutique to me. Of course, we offer women’s clothing and accessories, but my bigger goal is to create a space where women can come in, find something that makes them feel beautiful and confident, and feel connected to their community.
The journey has definitely had its highs and lows, but every season has taught me something. I’m still building, still learning and still figuring out what the next chapter of 2 Beatz looks like. And honestly, that’s what makes this journey so meaningful to me. I get to build something that started with my two children and hopefully create something that makes an impact on women and on the community around me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, but I honestly don’t think entrepreneurship is supposed to be. There have been a lot of beautiful moments, but there have also been seasons that challenged me in ways I never expected.
One of the biggest transitions was going from an online and mobile boutique to having a physical storefront. A brick-and-mortar comes with an entirely different level of responsibility. Rent, inventory, payroll, marketing, operations and simply getting people through the door. Being located downtown Wichita has also presented its own challenges, particularly when it comes to foot traffic.
I’ve also had to learn how to wear a lot of different hats. As a small business owner, you’re not just the CEO. Some days you’re the buyer, marketer, social media manager, stylist, accountant, cleaner and everything in between. There have definitely been moments where I’ve questioned whether I was doing enough or whether I was on the right path.
But those challenges have also been some of my greatest teachers. They’ve forced me to become more intentional, more resilient and more willing to ask for help and continue learning. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t always look like a huge sales month or a major milestone. Sometimes growth is simply staying committed, learning from what didn’t work and having the courage to keep going.
So no, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’m grateful for the road I’ve been on. Every challenge has shaped me into a better business owner and, honestly, a better person.
We’ve been impressed with 2 Beatz Boutique, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
2 Beatz Boutique is a women-owned fashion boutique located in downtown Wichita, specializing in elevated, versatile fashion and accessories for the everyday woman. We help women find pieces that make them feel confident and beautiful, whether they’re headed to the boardroom, brunch, date night, a special event or simply navigating everyday life.
What makes 2 Beatz different is that we’re about more than just selling clothes. Fashion is the entry point, but the experience is what we’re really creating. We want women to walk into our boutique and feel welcomed, encouraged and confident, not pressured to buy something. We take the time to help our customers find pieces that fit their personal style, their lifestyle and the moments they’re dressing for.
We also offer personal styling services for women who want a more customized experience. Whether someone needs help building a few looks, dressing for a special occasion or simply wants to feel more confident in what they’re wearing, we help take the guesswork out of getting dressed.
I’m especially proud of the brand we’ve built and the community that has grown around it. 2 Beatz started as an online boutique in 2016, and seeing it evolve into a physical storefront and a space where women can connect, shop, collaborate and celebrate one another has been incredibly meaningful to me.
I want readers to know that when they support 2 Beatz, they’re supporting more than a clothing boutique. They’re supporting a woman-owned small business, a dream that has been built over the course of a decade, and a brand that genuinely wants to see women win. My vision is for 2 Beatz to continue becoming more than a place to shop and to become a space where women feel inspired, connected and confident enough to be fully themselves.
At the heart of the brand is our simple belief: “Be You. Be Beautiful ” That’s what I want every woman who interacts with 2 Beatz to take with her.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I think the next 5–10 years will bring a major shift in the way people experience retail. Online shopping and social commerce will continue to grow, and customers will have more access to products than ever before. Because of that, I believe the value of the physical retail experience will actually become even more important.
People can order almost anything online, so brick-and-mortar businesses have to give customers a reason to walk through the door. I think the future of retail is going to be less about simply selling a product and more about creating an experience, building community and making customers feel genuinely connected to a brand.
I also think personalization will become increasingly important. Women don’t necessarily need more clothes. They need help finding the right clothes for their lifestyle, body, personality and the moments they’re dressing for. Styling, curated shopping experiences and authentic relationships with customers will continue to become more valuable.
Social media will also play a huge role. Customers want to see how pieces look in real life, how they can be styled and how a brand fits into their lifestyle. I think the boutiques that are able to blend the convenience of digital shopping with the personal connection of in-person retail will have a real advantage.
For 2 Beatz, that’s exciting because it’s already the direction we’re moving in. I don’t want us to simply be a store that sells clothing. I want us to be a brand and a community that women want to be a part of. I see the future of 2 Beatz being a blend of fashion, styling, experiences, collaboration and community and I think that’s where retail is headed as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.2beatzboutique.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2beatzboutique
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/2beatzboutique/?ref=bookmarks
