Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Pfeninger.
Hi Jordan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In early 2023, I started up the boutique online, after attending many weekend craft sales selling hot cocoa bombs. It sparked the entrepreneur in me, and I was ready to do something bigger. I decided on an online boutique offering a little bit of everything. I did some local pop-up sales, and a short residency at a place that offered products from many local artisans, which would later become my own business model. Not long after, I came across a little space available for rent in my small town of Rice, MN. I started my search for other local vendors to come with me on the journey, and in December of 2023 we were up and running! Somewhere in there, I met Jenn, my now business partner. At the time, she was running a successful permanent jewelry company in the area, and we eventually joined forces to start a large gathering in our small town called “Hello Fall Festival” and formed a tight bond over our love of business. The events we planned together were a huge success, and I loved all of her insight, so I invited her to be a co-owner of Just Peachy. I knew I needed help, and that she had the missing pieces to my puzzle. Since then, we’ve recently added our second location to Sauk Rapids, MN!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not, I believe starting any business will have bumps in the road. What makes a successful business owner is pushing through those struggles, keeping the goal in mind! Some struggles we face are those you would expect in a small town; minimal foot traffic, lower spending habits, and drive for customers who aren’t local. Another hurdle is learning all of the back end work-book keeping, social media, SEO, creating a website, and the list goes on! There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and there is no handbook!
As you know, we’re big fans of Just Peachy Boutique and Gift. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What sets us apart is that our business is essentially made up of a bunch of other very talented small business owners. We are home to 40+ vendors who sell their products, most being homemade. These are things you can’t find at big box stores. Think of it as a gift store meets boutique. The variety of products and services we offer is something to be excited about! We’ve got affordable clothing, accessories, food items, home goods, health and body care, and gifts for EVERYONE! We offer permanent jewelry on select weekends, and often host small pop-up events featuring DIY bars, cookie decorating classes, and even tattoos! We want to be seen as a hub for as many small businesses as possible! Our goal is to offer the community a fun, affordable and unique shopping experience while supporting our local economy! We also offer custom graphic shirts, and our vendors offer a wide variety of custom items as well! Just ask, and someone around here can probably make it!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Keep pushing, even on the hardest days! An entrepreneurial journey will never be easy, and it’s important to keep that in mind. If it were easy, everyone would do it! Stay strong and believe in yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justpeachyboutiqueandgift.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justpeachyboutiqueandgift/
