Behind the Boutique: My Story, My Why – Part One
Behind the Boutique: My Story, My Why – Part One
If you’ve ever wondered how Mill Creek Boutique came to be, this is the story. I thought it was finally time to share more about the heart behind the earrings—and the journey that led me here.
A few years ago, my husband and I were on the hunt for a piece of land to build a new home. We had outgrown the one we were in, and we were dreaming of something a little more peaceful, more “us.” After a lot of searching, we finally found it: a beautiful five-acre wooded property, full of old live oaks and natural wildlife. Running right through the middle of it was a little creek—Mill Creek. That place immediately felt like home. And unknowingly, it also became the namesake of my business.
The logo? That came from one of the most surprising and magical parts of our land: the peacocks. Yes—real ones! They roam freely and have become a little symbol of beauty, creativity, and uniqueness. Just like the jewelry I create.
But Mill Creek Boutique wasn’t born overnight. I had been making jewelry for about a year before ever thinking of turning it into a business. At first, it was just something I loved to do—making earrings for friends and family, playing with color, texture, and design. Slowly, I started hearing the same thing from people I gifted them to: “You should sell these.” And after hearing it enough times… I thought, why not?
What many people don’t know is that this creative outlet came at a time when I really needed it. Like so many others, I came out of 2020 carrying a lot of grief. I had lost both my father and father-in-law in recent years, and I was also quietly mourning the loss of a career I once loved. The corporate world had worn me down—poor management, toxic expectations, and the pressure to always be “on.” It was too much. I needed space to breathe again. To feel like myself.
Creating with my hands has always been a form of therapy. It gave me peace during a really hard time. And the idea of building something of my own—something creative, flexible, and full of heart—was the first thing that felt right in a long time.
Of course, the behind-the-scenes of starting a business hasn’t been all glitter and sunshine. One of my biggest challenges? Sitting at a computer for all the not-so-glamorous parts—building a website, managing listings, handling social media, organizing photos, packaging, shipping... the list goes on. I’ve had to figure out systems that work for *me*, as a solo business owner, and still create a great experience for you, my customers. It’s an ongoing process, but it’s worth it.
The first time I truly felt like, “Okay… I’m really doing this,” was my first vendor market. I had only officially been in business for a couple of months and I was *nervous*. I didn’t have a fancy booth setup, I wasn’t sure if people would like my designs, and I kept thinking, *what if no one buys anything?* But they did. A lot, actually. People connected with my work. They smiled, they complimented, they shopped. That experience gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.
Mill Creek Boutique isn’t just a business. It’s a piece of my heart. And I think part of why this journey feels so meaningful is because creativity is in my DNA. I come from a family of artists and craftspeople, and I’ve always been drawn to expression through color, fashion, home décor, and art. I love a good deal, I love a good DIY, and I’m not afraid to try something new—even if I fail. That adventurous spirit runs through everything I do.
This is just Part One of the story. In the next post, I’ll share more about what inspires my designs, how I balance business and life, and where I hope to take Mill Creek Boutique in the future.
Thanks for being here. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just finding me for the first time—I’m so glad you’re part of this journey.
xo,
Jenn
Founder of Mill Creek Boutique
