During our search for the Next Great Pop-Up Shop in Kingsport, TN we met many growing small businesses interested in piloting a storefront of their own. It's through this project that we first met Heather, owner of Ruffles in the Mud, a local children's boutique. With a growing online following, Heather was looking to expand her popular boutique with a permanent storefront of her own.
In the Fort Henry Mall, we had the perfect space with a prominent sales floor and large stock room for online distribution. With Heather's ideas for aesthetic improvements, her storefront vision began to take shape. Renovations on the space began last week and a grand opening is planned for July 4th.
We can't wait to share the space transformation, but love getting to know the people behind the storefronts and hearing their stories of small business success. Keep reading and get to know Heather's story.
Hello Everyone! I’m Heather, a single mom of two little beauties age 4 and 7. My girls love getting dressed up and looking cute. But with me trying to buy for 2 of my own, I just can’t afford to pay the outrageous prices for them that I find at other boutiques. I needed something that is affordable. So, I started my own business, Ruffles in the Mud, to do just that – sell super cute boutique clothing at prices that are actually reasonable!
Ruffles in the Mud offers boutique clothing for girls in size 0/3 months - 8/20, which is a rare find! I also carry boys rompers and raglans, Mommy & Me matching sets, sibling sets, bows, accessories, and more – all at prices that won’t break your bank.
I am a Kingsport, TN native and have owned my business for 3 years now. I have a devoted following of 4,500 + supporters on Facebook. I have been a vendor in multiple locations in downtown Kingsport, as well as in Johnson City and Bristol. I have also been a featured vendor at many big events around the region. In 2019, I was voted as the #1 Children’s Boutique in the Times News Reader’s Choice Awards.
I have been very blessed on my journey over the past 3 years. So much so that the time has come for Ruffles in the Mud to have a storefront of its own. I am beyond excited to open a store in the Fort Henry Mall. Ruffles in the Mud will be on the lower level in a space between rue 21 and Bath & Body Works.