We recently connected with Katelyn Cornelious and have shared our conversation below.

Katelyn, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I actually came up with the idea for iSpy Boutique while sitting at my job in a water office one day — honestly, I was bored. My mind kept drifting toward the idea of creating something of my own. I’ve always had this drive to work for myself and build something that reflects my creativity and independence. Before moving to Magnolia, I owned a delivery company in Texas, and while I loved the freedom that came with being my own boss, I realized pretty quickly that Magnolia’s market just wasn’t big enough to support that same model.
But that didn’t stop me from wanting to build something meaningful. Around September or October of 2020, I started brainstorming what I could do — something flexible, creative, and still very personal. I’ve always loved beauty and style, so I decided to start small, selling lashes. I remember those early days vividly — setting up displays, talking to people at pop-ups, and seeing their excitement when I explained the concept behind my business. That’s when it clicked for me: people weren’t just buying products; they were connecting with my vision.
That moment of connection was the spark that told me iSpy Boutique could really work. It wasn’t just about selling things — it was about creating experiences, making people feel good about themselves, and building a brand that could grow right alongside me.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Katelyn Cornelious, and I’m the owner and founder of iSpy Boutique LLC, a small business that started from a simple dream — to create, connect, and make people feel good about themselves through thoughtful, affordable gifts and self-care products. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Before iSpy Boutique, I owned a delivery company in Texas, but when I relocated to Magnolia, I realized the market here needed something different — something creative that could bring joy to everyday life.
That’s when iSpy Boutique was born in late 2020. What began with selling lashes quickly grew into a full lifestyle brand offering custom gifts, handmade body scrubs, tumblers, earrings, apparel, and novelty items — all designed with love, a touch of glam, and an emphasis on self-care and confidence. Every product I make or curate tells a small story; whether it’s a sparkle-filled tumbler or a jar of my brown sugar body scrub, I want my customers to feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
What sets iSpy Boutique apart is the personal connection. I don’t just sell products; I build experiences. From branded packaging to seasonal collections and “Feel-Good Friday” themes, I work hard to make sure every order feels like it was made just for that person. My brand thrives on authenticity — real stories, real people, and real joy.
I’m proud that what started as a small side project in a water office has grown into a brand that reflects my creativity, resilience, and purpose. Along the way, I also earned my MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute and achieved the qualifications to teach Business Technology for grades 4–12, which has made me even more passionate about helping others — especially young women — see that their ideas can become reality.
More than anything, I want potential clients and followers to know that iSpy Boutique isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of self-belief, creativity, and community. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone else, my goal is to remind you to celebrate life’s small moments — because those are what make life beautiful.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life came when I realized iSpy Boutique had the potential to become more than just a small side hustle. In the beginning, I was focused on selling lashes, but as I started doing pop-up events and connecting with customers, I noticed people were drawn to the experience — the personal touch, the creativity, and the feel-good energy behind the brand. That’s when I knew it was time to expand.
Instead of limiting myself to one product line, I decided to branch out into custom gifts, tumblers, body scrubs, earrings, and apparel. It was a huge shift — not just in what I sold, but in how I thought as a business owner. I had to learn new skills, manage inventory, build a consistent brand identity, and start thinking long-term about growth and marketing.
That pivot taught me that change isn’t something to fear — it’s often the key to discovering your full potential. Expanding iSpy Boutique pushed me to grow creatively and professionally. It also showed me that success comes when you’re willing to adapt, listen to your customers, and trust yourself enough to take the next step, even when it feels uncertain.

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

Absolutely. My journey with iSpy Boutique is rooted in resilience and self-belief. When I started the business, I was working as a long-term substitute teacher at an at-risk high school in Midland, Texas, and then COVID hit. Everything about life and work shifted overnight, and while many things slowed down, my determination didn’t. I was given an unexpected opportunity to take on a full-time position at a water office — not because I needed it to make ends meet, but because leadership there saw potential in me. They trusted that I could handle the job even without prior experience, and not only did I do it — I excelled beyond expectations.
It was during those quiet hours at the office that the idea for iSpy Boutique began to take shape. I wanted something of my own — something that reflected my creativity and independence. I started small, selling lashes, and as I began doing pop-ups and connecting with customers, I saw how people responded to my vision. That excitement and connection pushed me to expand into earrings, custom tumblers, and body scrubs, transforming a spark of an idea into a growing brand.
Balancing two jobs, motherhood, and eventually earning my MBA while building iSpy Boutique wasn’t easy — but resilience doesn’t come from ease. It comes from showing up, trusting your abilities, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.
Today, when I look back, I see every challenge as a stepping stone. iSpy Boutique isn’t just a business; it’s a symbol of perseverance, growth, and the power of believing in what you bring to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ispyboutique.com
• Instagram: ispy boutique
• Facebook: iSpy Boutique
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-cornelious-608a23195

Image Credits

Kenya Renae Photography