We recently connected with Jennifer Dodier and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Beyond Threads Clothing was created to bring a different way of shopping giving a fun experience. We first started out converting 2 vintage trailers into mobile boutiques and now a store front in a very desirable location . After the pandemic so many mamas and women were trying to find their joy again and get out of the habit or wearing workout gear on a daily. I wanted to create a place where women could come and find their best self. To know they were created beautiful just the way they are. That everyone who steps foot in my store is greeted like an old friend and told they are worthy and enough. Life is hard but if we can touch hearts our mission is complete. Women are so hard on themselves and are their own worst critic. I’d love to break that chain at least in my store to encourage women to be more confident and bold in who they are. I don’t care how they stepped foot into the store it’s how they step out which should be better than they came in. Once you come shop you become family.
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?
Beyond Threads Clothing creates a unique shopping experience. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to own my own store. I started my own boutique with a girlfriend at the age of 16 and loved every minute. Heading to college I had to focus on my studies and told myself when my youngest is 5 I’ll revisit my dream. My youngest turned 5 and my dream started to come alive one step at a time. I love to style and make things pretty. I did not go to school for business but got thrown into running my family’s business at the age of 19. It taught me so much how to be an entrepreneur. I guess it’s in the blood. My husband jumped on board to help bring my dream to life. Could not have done it without him and his support. We converted two old vintage trailers into darling clothing boutiques and have a store at the promenade in Temecula so shopping can be done in person 7 days a week. You can shop for quality brands we all love for women and now for men as well. Whether it’s jewelry, clothes, bags, hats, shoes and more, every item is placed with purpose for all occasions. We specialize in styling head to toe outfits for your own personal look. Because when you look good, you feel good. Find us at fun events like a music festival, in the wineries, host a private sip & shop where we bring the boutique to you or shop in the comfort of your own home online. We hope you find some joy by shopping with us. Happy shopping gorgeous!
Can you open up about how you funded your business?
Being an entrepreneur isn’t always easy. It’s non stop rollercoaster with no breaks. In life you’re told to shoot for the stars that you can be anything you want to be which is all true and we should be told that but it also doesn’t come with a manual on how to navigate it or to give you step by step guidance on how to or what to do in a hard time situation. And even when you might find a business coach or take classes it’s never the exact scenario to what you’ll endure. It’s not for the faint of heart but it is for the persistent that know the only failure is not ever starting. Yes steps forward is growth but so can steps backwards. We forget that a few steps backwards are not failures but lessons for growth. Yes the work is heavy all the time being a business owner but when all the hard work poured into it comes to life it’s the best reward one can experience. I stared in May 2020 during the pandemic. I never asked for any financial help, Never got any grants or anything from anyone. I never actually finished college or took courses for business. I was thrown into helping my family company at 19 years old and with no training besides figure it out. So I took that with me because I didn’t go to school for fashion or business. I didn’t have the proper tools to set me up for success in my industry. But I had a dream and if it was to happen I wanted to make it happen without investors or proper schooling because even without it you can still start. Over the previous two years I did side hustles to save some money to put towards my “boutique dream fund” that’s what I called it. It wasn’t much but enough to get started. Being it was the pandemic opening a store front was a bit more challenging so we started building a mobile boutique creating shopping experience. Markets and festivals were starting to be a big thing especially because people were still hesitant to go back into stores. So knowing how to navigate the market is crucial. By the end of the first year in business we had 2 mobile boutiques and it was an amazing experience being able to take the boutique to so many awesome places. In the second year of business we were asked to bring our boutique to a location that was open 7 days a week and we did it but it only lasted 3 months because we outgrew out location. We then opened our first store front on the Temecula promenade next to major corporations. With that because of all the fees I had only $500 in the account the day our store front opened because it cost so much to get up and running. But, I knew it will work out. When purpose and passion are the force behind the effort, positive comes out, that God will always take care of my company. That was my peace but still there were days prior to opening questioning my decision if it was a good idea or not. Was I going to go out of business before I even open? There were days I thought what am I doing? Can I make rent, insurance, taxes, payroll? How is it all going to happen? And sure enough the doors opened and I made enough the first day open to cover it all expenses for that month and more. It was amazing. Keep pressing forward is key, even in the tough times when the struggle of a business owner problems are high. Like I said in the beginning it’s a rollercoaster but if the best ride you’ll ever take.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
We opened our first store front in a very desirable location. It was thriving and everything was starting to piece together. Our store was finally running smoothly and couldn’t be happier. But being I am in a mall location (even outside the mall on the promenade) there is a chance that someone who will pay more than I do can kick me out of my location. We opened in April of 2023 and middle of August I got a notification that devastated me. It was my 30 days notice. So my leasing agent called me and told me not to worry they want me still on the promenade that I could move into a location across the street. They told me the current tenants are not renewing their lease that I could then move into their space. But something didn’t sit well with that. I’m Temecula community is huge. We take it seriously and love supporting small businesses. So I went and talked to the owner across the street because we did become friends. I asked her why she wasn’t renewing her lease? And her response was I want to renew my lease but they are kicking me out. Fast forward this kind lady was getting kicked out because the management wanted me to move into her location and pay double what she was paying. I then responded to management that I would rather not have a storefront than to kick out a fellow small business owner. Character and integrity are worth far more than any business deal. The management then dropped her 30 days notice and she was able to stay. It was a hard pill to swallow that I may be out of my store front but it was the right thing to do. And in business sometimes it’s easier to take the business deal for personal gain but that’s not true success. I then discussed with my leasing agent longer and he found one more space that was actually available. I now have that location. I was heartbroken to lose my favorite spot that I created into an amazing boutique. It was beautiful inside and it became a place to women to come and feel loved on. But I know this new location will be just that and more! You do the right thing and blessings come back. Was hard yes but all business is hard. I have to remember why I do this and continue to remember my passion that it’s worth it. Because it is!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beyondthreadsclothing.com
- Instagram: @beyondthreadsclothing
- Facebook: @beyondthreadsclothing
Image Credits
@carriemcquirephoto @ada.Rey