Long before she launched her own company, Courtney Jane Cuevas understood the rewards and responsibilities of entrepreneurship.
Her mother is a fourth-generation floral designer who owns Forget Me Not Florist & Gifts in Gulfport and Long Beach. Cuevas recalls that in her formative years, owning and operating a business was a common topic of dinnertime conversation.
“I grew up surrounded by the local community impacting my life and my family’s life,” she says. “I always understood the importance of supporting local small businesses and shopping small.”
Besides igniting her passion for business at a young age, growing up in an entrepreneurial home benefited Cuevas in many other ways.
“I also gained invaluable real-world business experience long before I knew I wanted to open Simply Jane Clothing Co.,” she says.
Simply Jane, the clothing boutique Cuevas founded in March of 2021, started online during the COVID-19 pandemic. After three months, she opened a storefront location inside her mother’s Long Beach flower shop.
As a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, Cuevas learned the legal ins and outs of running a business. She has always loved shopping and styling outfits, which influenced her ambitions.
“One day, I woke up wanting to enjoy going to work every day,” Cuevas says, “and what better way than to open up a clothing boutique for women of all ages and sizes?”
Knowing she wanted to involve family in her venture, the entrepreneur has enlisted several relatives to help with her boutique. Her sister, Candace Stoeger of Candace Stoeger Photography, does all of Simply Jane’s clothing photoshoots and also manages the business’s Instagram. Cuevas considers her parents, John and Theresa Cuevas, “the two most important members of my team.”
“Anytime I need anything done, such as building a new clothing rack or helping set up a pop-up shop, my parents are always there whenever I need help,” she says.
That assistance has allowed Cuevas to achieve her dream of offering women of all ages and sizes fashionable, affordable clothes for every occasion. She goes to market every three months to stay on top of the changing trends and seasons.
“We have new arrivals every week,” she says. In addition to trendy dresses, tops and other apparel, the shop carries a unique gift line.
Just in time for Shop Small Saturday and Christmas, her showroom floor at 100 E Railroad Street in Long Beach has expanded, creating room for additional items and two more dressing rooms.
“I look forward to hosting many events coming soon!” Cuevas says.
IF YOU GO
Simply Jane Clothing Co.
100 E. Railroad St., Long Beach
(228)-297-2191
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
www.shopsimplyjaneclothing.com
Instagram: simplyjaneclothingco; Facebook: Simply Jane Clothing Co.
