Perhaps one of the most enduring businesses in Outlook marked a special milestone last weekend as Jacq’y Jaye’s Boutique & Espresso Bar celebrated ten years with festivities held on Saturday, May 5.
Long-time customers and the public know that the store has morphed and changed things up here and there over the years, but under the leadership of owner Jacq’y Carlson, the business has really stood out in the last couple of years after it squared its focus on being a boutique selling both women and men’s apparel, jewelry and merchandise, as well as a drink bar selling both hot and cold beverages, which only increases in popularity as the warm weather intensifies.
The all-ages celebration bash last Saturday ran from 5-9 p.m. and included a fashion show, celebratory cake, and over a dozen prize giveaways. And if there were any nerves about opening the doors and having a minimal turnout, that fear was quickly doused as the store filled up with customers and well-wishers, remaining busy virtually right up until the end of the evening.
Though she was quite busy tending to loyal customers, Carlson took a few moments to reflect on the past decade and where the business stands today.
“It’s actually gone by quite fast,” said a visibly humbled Carlson, touching on the last ten years. “I was even talking to myself and going, ‘We’ve been at it ten years?’, but it’s been a blast the whole way. We’ve had some ups and downs, like of course the fire last year, but we’ve pulled through and I’m glad to reach this milestone. I really need to thank my family and all the staff I have had over the years. They have been a huge part of these last ten years, whether they were here short or long term; each and every one has played a roll in some way over the last 10 years to get the business to where it is today.”
The buzzing turnout of people for the ten-year celebration seemed to put a permanent smile on Jacq’y’s face.
“I couldn’t give you a number, but it’s been like this since about 5:00,” she said. “We had quite a few people here to enjoy the fashion show, as well. The support has been fabulous, and it feels awesome.”
With her vision for a full boutique and espresso bar realized a couple of years ago, Carlson says that she always has ideas in her mind about where she might want to take the business next.
“I’m always changing my plan,” she said. “Basically, for now I’m at the point where I’ve kind of seen the store and reached *that* milestone in my career, but I’m always looking for new ideas, and who knows what they’ll bring next!”
As is the case with most entrepreneurs, Carlson says the best thing about being a business owner in Outlook is the support shown by people who walk inside the doors.
“The support the community gives and getting to know the people,” she said. “There are so many jobs you go to and everybody’s just a face or a number, and I just love having the experience of people coming in daily; it just makes my day.”
For more on Jacq’y Jaye’s, you can visit their new online store at www.jacqyjayesboutique.ca.
