photos by JODIE BRIM CREATIVE
Now a “seasoned” small business owner — after three exciting years spreading joy through her Blue Jean Boutique — the talented Amanda Benedict is the spirit and energy behind this one-of-a-kind business.
Amanda’s vision has always been one of sharing love and kindness at every turn, and as part of that mission, she gives 100% of her time and efforts to making every customer and every fellow creative entrepreneur feel special.
THE INSPIRATION
Then there’s the backstory that her personal idol has always been Dolly Parton — quite the role model! — and you’ll feel some very definite Dolly vibes at Blue Jean Boutique. Through her years of working in retail and getting to know so many people, Amanda has molded a successful small business while staying true to herself and her beliefs. Isn’t that exactly what Dolly would do?
She’s known for assuring customers that every item at Blue Jean Boutique is personally selected to make them look good, feel good, and even do good! Her unique, sometimes whimsical, designs are appealing on so many levels — and from apparel and accessories to gifts and stylish jewelry, there’s always a treasure to lift your spirits and maybe even spark your style game!
Regular followers of the Blue Jean Boutique certainly know the phrase #womancrushwednesday — where Amanda spotlights something different on their social media pages — a female hero or icon, or friend/family member — maintaining the spirit of empowering women and brightening that mid-week work day!”
FALL IS FOR CELEBRATING!
Think fondly of your most favorite pair of jeans: They’re loved, loyal, and beyond comfortable, right? And that feeling is something you always can’t wait to get back to, which is also the goal for every Blue Jean Boutique visitor. Whether you share a fun pop-up experience with Amanda, or fall in love with items online (where you can shop 24/7!), you’ll always want a return visit. Every day brings something new at Blue Jean Boutique, and Amanda couldn’t be more grateful for how far she’s come.
“This August we will be celebrating three years in business!” she says proudly. “We had our launch party on my 31st birthday — July 29, 2020, and then launched our website on August 1st.”
To commemorate the anniversary, Blue Jean Boutique will offer special giveaways during the month of August, including a free bracelet with a purchase of $35 or more from the website. They will also offer free shipping all month, and a free fun sticker with each purchase at their August pop-up events.
Look for the launch of a cute new line of graphic tee dresses in August, too. “I’m very excited about these new items, and can’t wait to show customers what I’ve been working on over the summer!” she adds. “This fall we will also have a rock music collection inspired by my dad and his love of ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’,” says Amanda “Our Jacket-of-the-Month releases start in September, and each month you will be able to pre-order a limited-edition jacket! All are hand-finished one at a time, and available through the end of each month, when the next new style launches.”
WHERE TO FIND BLUE JEAN BOUTIQUE
Amanda is also thrilled to be back at Vintage Market Days of the Piedmont Triad, August 25-27, at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center. An upscale, vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market, Vintage Market Days features original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home decor, and other handmade treasures.
Blue Jean Boutique also loves showcasing other female creatives, and collaborating with other female entrepreneurs wherever possible.
As for the rest of the year, Amanda looks forward to returning to some of her favorite pop-up events across the south, including Christmas Carousel in Raleigh, The Bizarre Bazaar in Richmond, Vintage Market Days in Asheville, Raleigh, and Bristol, and her favorite local event, Shopping on the Farm in High Point.
“In addition, we will be adding some new cities to our schedule this fall, including Charleston, Nashville, and Memphis!” adds Amanda.
CONNECTIONS ARE KEY
When she first started out, and there wasn’t always a successful means to reach a large audience outside of family and friends, Amanda credits the popular Southern Charm at the Farm for providing her big break. “They were the first established show to accept me as a vendor, and also where I launched the Mobile Boutique (aka Dolly!) in October of 2021.” Her love for local shows and meeting new people has only grown!
Adding another fun, creative layer to her busy days, Amanda also loves sharing her podcast — side-by-side with friend and co-host Brittany Kues — with her customers and fellow small business owners! Appropriately named Dreamer to Entrepreneur, the two enthusiastically share their own personal experiences of launching new businesses, while also juggling mom life. “Brittany and I strive to make our conversations centered around uplifting and encouraging other female entrepreneurs,” she says.
Experience all the feels — and hopefully indulge yourself with some fun wardrobe additions — when you shop with Bluejeanboutiquenc.com. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @bluejean.boutique for news and updates on the Mobile Boutique and upcoming pop-up events. Reach Amanda at 336-686-3993, or by email at bluejeanboutiquenc@gmail.com.
