Today we’d like to introduce you to Lelia Leonhardt.
Hi Lelia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always believed in the power of community, and showing up authentically, whether that’s through numbers or style. I’m a passionate accountant helping small businesses find clarity and confidence in their finances. I also love connecting, creating, and celebrating women in general. That’s where Generations Boutique comes in.
I officially became the owner of Generations Boutique in the fall of 2023. I’ve been fortunate to experience places in my life that felt warm, welcoming, and inclusive. So when the opportunity to purchase the boutique came along, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: create that kind of space for others. A place where women of all sizes could walk in and feel seen, inspired, and beautiful.
Generations has become my creative outlet where I get to dream, style, storytell, and collaborate with other amazing women. From curating size-inclusive collections (XS–3X) to planning events that bring people together, the boutique allows me to express a different side of myself. It balances the structure of my accounting work with color, connection, and a whole lot of joy.
Since taking over, it’s been a wild, fulfilling ride of hosting pop-ups with local artists, reorganizing racks with intention, building vendor relationships, and yes, learning to juggle inventory all in the same day. I’ve had moments of fear and a lot of learning but it’s also been filled with community, creativity, and purpose.
What I love most is blending both sides of my world: bringing the strategy and clarity of finance together with the soul and spark of fashion. It’s proof that women can do it all strategically, stylishly, and with heart.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t call it a smooth road but I would call it a meaningful one. Taking over a boutique while balancing a full-time accounting career and raising a family hasn’t come without its challenges. But growth rarely happens without some bumps, right?
Switching between spreadsheets and styling racks can be exhausting, but it’s also taught me so much!
Like many small businesses, we’ve had to get creative during slower seasons, and we’ve leaned into community partnerships, local makers, and collaborative events to keep things fresh and relevant.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Generations Boutique is a women’s clothing and accessories shop in the heart of downtown St. Peter, Minnesota. We specialize in size-inclusive fashion, offering pieces in sizes XS to 3X and focus on styles that help women feel confident, comfortable, and authentically themselves.
Our vibe is classic, welcoming, and fun. We’re known for having a boutique that feels good. Picture this: candles lit, music playing, natural light pouring in, and a team that genuinely loves helping you find pieces that fit your shape and your life. Whether you’re stopping in for an everyday outfit, a special event look, or just need a little spark of inspiration, we’re here to make you feel seen and supported.
We’re also proud to carry accessories, gifts, and goods from women-owned and local vendors. From handmade jewelry to unique leather goods and artisan-crafted pieces. Many of these makers are right here in southern Minnesota, and we love using the boutique as a platform to highlight other small businesses and creatives.
What truly sets us apart is the heart behind the brand. Generations Boutique isn’t just about clothes, it’s about connection. We host pop-ups, private shopping nights, and seasonal events that bring people together. And we believe deeply in the idea that we all do better when we all do better. Supporting other women, giving back to our community, and creating a space that celebrates who you are. That’s what we’re most proud of.
Whether you’re shopping in person or just following along online, we hope you feel the warmth and authenticity that fuels everything we do.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start before you feel fully ready and trust that you’ll figure things out along the way. It’s so easy to get stuck in planning, researching, or waiting for the “perfect time.” But truthfully, growth happens in the process.
When I first took over Generations Boutique, I had experience in accounting but retail was a whole new world. There were moments I felt overwhelmed or unsure (and sometimes still do!). But I keep showing up, learning, and leaning into what feels right. It’s about small wins, honest mistakes, and the ability to keep going anyway.
I knew community would be important, but it’s been even better than I imagined. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, cheer for you, and aren’t afraid to offer real advice. Whether that’s other business owners, friends, mentors, or your own customers. And I feel so lucky to have a team of employees who truly match the heart and vibe of the boutique. Those relationships are everything!
And finally, keep coming back to your why. When things get hard (and they will), coming back to your purpose will keep you grounded. For me, it’s about creating connection, empowering women, and building something meaningful in my community. If you lead with heart and stay open, you’ll be amazed at what unfolds.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://generationsboutiquemn.com
- Instagram: @generationsboutiquemn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/generationsboutiquemn/
Image Credits
Evergreen & Ink, Josh Guth Photography, & Lelia Leonhardt
