Amanda Hooper said she had always dreamed of owning her own business, but those dreams took a backseat to her top priority of being a mother to her four small children.
“My dreams were not about my wants but were about my children’s future,” Hooper said. “But that’s when it hit me. I wanted to build something for them to have one day. My favorite quote is, ‘If you don’t build your dream, someone will hire you to build theirs.’”
So, she shared her dream with her husband, Jason, who she said is her No. 1 supporter, and together they developed a business plan.
“He encouraged me,” she said, “and gave me the financial support I needed to open up Callie’s Boutique.”
After praying about it, Hooper said, the couple decided on the right location.
“We wanted to be part of the Ocean Springs Community, and we were willing to wait until we found exactly what we wanted,” she said.
They finally found the perfect place and opened Callie’s Boutique at 1306 Government St., Suite 3, in Ocean Springs, in August 2016.
Callie’s Boutique offers trendy affordable clothing and accessories, including a variety of items for Juniors, Misses and Curvy Sizes, as well as special gifts for special occasions.
“We have been extremely blessed by the warm welcoming we have received since opening,” she said. “God has opened doors we never thought possible.”
She said she loves being a part of the Ocean Springs community and that the community has welcomed her and her business with open arms.
“Being open for such a short time we are blessed that our shop as taken off so quickly,” Hooper said. “But I truly believe it’s because we don’t have just customers and sales, we have lasting relationships with those who walk into Callie’s.”
She said having a business has enabled her to help others in the community.
“I make it a priority to help others, because I feel we are not deserving of our blessings if we don’t help others in return,” she said.
Every other month Callie’s Boutique hosts a benefit or a fundraiser to help a family who has a child going through a serious illness, she said.
“I believe you reap what you sow,” Hooper said. “I have been very ill this past year and a half and the Lord has blessed my family with helping us through this difficult year. I am no more deserving than anyone else. And I am so incredibly thankful every day I am here to see my children grow and continue to pray I will continue to get well.”
The Hoopers said they hope to expand the business within the next five years.
“We are blessed and thankful for your support,” Hooper said, “for all the friendships, and for shopping at Callie’s Boutique and helping us help those in our community. We are proud to be part of the Ocean Springs Community.”
IF YOU GO
1306 Government St., Ste. 3, Ocean Springs
Monday – Saturday 10-5; Closed Sundays
(228) 202-1471
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facebook.com/CalliesboutiqueLLC
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