Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Henry.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Amanda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have wanted to open a boutique for about as long as I can remember. I worked in retail for several years and helped many a friend with their wardrobes during that time. I would say my heart is happiest when helping people feel confident and stylish in their attire.
I named my boutique after my fun, ornery great-grandmother, Olive, and also after my fun, ornery little Boston Terrier, who is also named Olive. I have great memories of simple times at Granny Olive’s quaint home in Pryor, OK. She’d cheat at Old Maid against all the grandkids when we’d go for a summer visit. She was spicy! I loved swinging on her screened in porch as a kid. I have memories of holding on for dear life as she drove me and my cousins around in her “too large for her” car, where she could barely see over the steering wheel. I’m pretty certain my love for vintage things came from fond memories of her…her kitchen table, and the dishes that sat on it, and the quilts on the little twin bed I slept in when I visited. My love for vintage things also sparked a love for vintage fashion. I remember wearing my Memaw’s clothes from the 60s in high school. That love for vintage fashion turned into a love for unique fashion styles. I guess I’ve always loved to express myself through clothing!
Some other things I LOVE are…Jesus, my supportive family and friends, big hair AND earrings, classic country music (but also 90s rap), ALL the bell bottoms, chocolate chip cookies, fringe and tassels, pecan pie, cowboy boots, margaritas and junking…and TACOS, who doesn’t love tacos?! My hope for Olive You is to offer unique and custom finds from vendors, and small business owners, that I love and support, in and out of TX, as well as offer some of my favorite styles in clothing. My ultimate goal is to have women step out of their comfort zone and feel great in their own skin!
Great, 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?
I have only been in business since April of 2019, so I am definitely still learning the ropes of owning your own business. I look back on mistakes I made along the way, but I think that is part of growing and maturing in your business. You see your failures and you hopefully get the chance to turn them into successes by re-working, re-thinking, and re-targeting. I do love that owning your own business gives you a sense of freedom, a sense of reward and a sense of community with other business owners. I have received great advice and support from other small business owners. I am excited to see how Olive You grows in 2020.
Please tell us about Olive You Boutique.
I own a women’s fashion boutique. I specialize in unique, affordable fashion, with a side of country and rock n’ roll. I am a bit of a hippie at heart, so I love bell bottoms and all things edgy and different. I love fun graphic tees with big flashy earrings and cowboy boots. I’ve been known to talk many a gal into trying bell bottoms on who were very skeptical of them and then they go home with two pairs! I love being able to make women feel confident in who they are, and by helping them step out of their comfort zone and try something new…whether it be flare pants, an off the shoulder top, big feather earrings. I say age is a just a number…wear what makes you feel good!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I always loved visiting my Memaw and Pepaw. And while there, I loved going through my Memaw’s closet. She always had so many shoes! (I am pretty sure she still does!) She’s always had a sense of fashion, and it’s been passed down through my mom to me. I remember wearing my Memaw’s clothes from the 60s in high school in the early 90s. I still have one of her duster vests in my closet.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shopoliveyou.com
- Phone: 214-460-2865
- Email: shopoliveyou4u@gmail.com
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