We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ashley, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

As a business owner there is always a story about how we came to be right?-My craziest story that I will tell generations well after my own children is how Two Cute Boutique was born. Professionally I was titled: Certified Wedding Planner; Personally I was titled: Wife and twin mom. With the collection of those titles anyone can tell you-It is enough. I however decided I wanted to grow a business on the side and be able to put some money away for my kids for fun adventures or their futures. January 1st, 2020. (This is where everyone gasps) On January 1st, 2020 I took the password protection off of my website and Two Cute Boutique was under way as an online only boutique. February news hit… then March news hit… and then the world began to shut down completely. Professionally I was left with no career; personally I was left with unknowns and a blur of what was to come. Months go by and struggle was saying it lightly as the world blew up around us and we all tried finding a new normal. As businesses began opening up I was given the opportunity to consign my products and test the market and our town to what I had to offer. My products were a huge hit and I knew at that point (in a terribly scary point in the pandemic as well) to take a leap because it was then or never to open up my own retail storefront. So heading back to the original question- What is the craziest story related to my business?-The entirety was the craziest-the creation-the timing-the “new” world we are all yet to understand in how everyone is conducting business moving forward.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Ashley! I am a wife, mother to four year old boy/girl twins and an entrepreneur through and through. Growing up I came from a hard working family and three, Yes three, sets of grandparents each of whom had their own businesses ranging from real estate broker-service industry-mold making and more! I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and open a business that would help others but the path along the way was trying. Through my younger years I spent many years in retail and dabbled in sales. My true passion in my early twenties was all things planning (Type A-I know no different ha!) I hopped in with both feet and got certified in the wedding planning industry and LOVED it! Now in my thirties I am wholeheartedly in LOVE with my boutique and those I have met along the way!

Two Cute Boutique offers newborn-14/16Y as well as family themed items for moms-dads-grandparents and more! Toys-Accessories-Bedding-Pajamas-and even candy! We feel we have created a well rounded location to stop in and find fun and unique pieces to add to your childrens closets and even a wonderful selection for gift giving needs for all ages!

We pride ourselves on providing wonderful products at a very reasonable price! Majority of the products and businesses we work with are mom and family owned so when you shop with us you are not only supporting one small business but sometimes two, three or more small family owned businesses! We have even began designing our own boys lines that have trickled into our store that we are so extremely proud to offer!

As a business owner there is always the question-how do I differentiate my business from others? When I opened my store I wanted it to be relaxed-calming-and fun! As a parent we work so extremely hard to care for our littles and sometimes we just need out of the house!! We are the quiet place to slip away to and wander throughout-we are the place where it truly is ok to let your kids run free-need a cart to contain? We have those too! We are also there to be your fun and entertaining adult conversation or smile as you talk kids with us (because we get it!!!)

How’d you meet your business partner?

This question made me giggle-Do I tell you the story of how me and my husband met or how the store was named after our two crazy children? haha!

My husband is truly my rock-he supports all of my crazy adventures and backs me in all types of ways to make sure we succeed. He is also the one who assists in completing my long Pinterest list of ideas for displays throughout our store. We will call him our “silent” investor. He invests his time to father our children while I am working long weekends- he invests his time to help further around the house when things get too chaotic at the store. The life of a business owner can truly be exhausting emotionally-physically-mentally.

The name “Two Cute Boutique” was named due to having twins and having two of everything honestly. My children will always dress better than myself with their unique and sassy personalities and styles. You will see hints of the twins all throughout the store-biggest being their silhouettes on our tags and signage.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Through the starting of our online boutique up to this point has been resilience in itself. Our world has gone through a pandemic and still working to learn our new way of living both personally and professionally. Resilience is taking all of the low points and working harder to create new avenues as these worldly changes continue to take place.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.twocuteboutique.com
• Instagram: twocuteboutiquemn
• Facebook: twocuteboutiquemn
• Other: You can find us on: Etsy: Twocuteboutiquemn Whatnot: Twocuteboutiquemn

Image Credits
Family Photo Credit: Studio Twelve52