Online business goes ‘physical’ in Ghent
After operating an online boutique for nearly a year, Jodi Maertens was persuaded into starting a physical business so patrons could try on the various clothing items before making a purchase. So, this past fall, Rian & Jo Boutique was born outside Ghent.
The name of the boutique is derived from the middle names of Bill and Jodi Maertens' daughters, Kendall, 4; and Hadley, who turns 2 in January.
Jodi works full-time as Youth and Family Officer for Southwest Initiative Foundation, a Hutchinson-based charity foundation that serves 18 counties in southwestern Minnesota. Bill owns Bend Rite Fabrication in Marshall.
"I started the (Rian & Jo Boutique) business last year and operated mostly online and through Facebook," Jodi said.
"I had tried going down the path with some direct sales companies and was having lots of fun with that, but wanted something more."
Rian and Jo Boutique is located on the Maertens' farm place two miles north of Ghent on County Road 5.
"I had so many people asking me when I was going to open a shop so they could come and shop and try things on, so I thought I would give it a try in the other house on our farmplace since it was empty anyway," said Maertens, who grew up in Redwood Falls.
With two small children and a full-time job, Maertens now finds owning an on site boutique "super convenient". Rian and Jo Boutique is an independent business that sells women's clothing and accessories. There is also a dressing room for those wishing to try on garments.
"I carry all sizes from small to 3X," Maertens said.
"One of my goals is to keep things super affordable and offer unique styles that might not be found around here.” "I order my clothing and jewelry from a variety of wholesale companies.
I also have some handmade items in stock such as cozy wool mittens, a variety of handmade wool art, and exclusively designed items specific to Rian and Jo Boutique."Maertens also is willing to assist other small business owners and invites them to set up at her boutique during open hours to share their businesses with others.
"I love to support other entrepreneurs," she said. "It is so much fun to share that with others."
The Maertens are also very supportive of community projects. They were on a committee that raised funds to renovate the local ice rink along Highway 68 in downtown Ghent. The Maertens have also been involved in helping out with fundraisers for the Ghent Fire Department, assisting in certain aspects of Belgian-American Days, and are just now getting involved in events involving the Minneota School District. Rian & Jo Boutique still takes online orders, too, because Maertens understands that it can be hard for people to find time to venture out and shop, especially during winter months when travel can sometimes be difficult.
"When people aren't able to stop out, I'm able to help them online with sharing my opinion on size, fabric, etc.," she said.
"I make it my goal to be as helpful and honest as I can be about the items. I want women to feel confident in what they put on and exude that confidence throughout the day."
Besides taking orders online, Maertens also offers an opportunity for people to place pre-orders. "This essentially means that they are guaranteed the size and style of what I am offering and what they want," she explained.
There are no set hours for the boutique, but Maertens makes sure to inform customers ahead of time as to when the store will be open.
"Because I work full time besides doing this, I wanted to try and find a new and unique way to keep my boutique open," Maertens said. " So I am operating as a sort of 'pop-up' boutique.
"I set up my hours and post them on social media a week or two in advance so people know and can plan to stop out. I am also always open by appointment."
The Rian & Jo Boutique website can be found at www.rianandjoboutique.com, while the Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/groups/791783050975664/?ref=share