Gracewear Mission Statement:
“The mission of Gracewear Collection is to offer a powerful and purposeful Christian lifestyle brand that represents covering women daily in God’s protection, mercy and grace. The Shield of Faith Collection is an beautiful way for women to wear and share their faith- while intentionally putting on the Armor of God for all of life’s battles.
Our vision is to share with women about the gift of God’s Grace, and His promise that there is absolutely NO sin, great or small, that His Grace will not cover. God calls us to be ambassadors for Christ and to let His love and light shine through us. Gracewear Collection is based on Ephesians 6: 10-18 and is created to offer HOPE and PROTECTION through the Armor of God.”
Gracewear is a small boutique in the heart of Cashiers NC. It was founded by Mary Blackburn and Wendy Lupas. Mary and Wendy are sisters that have a background in marketing. Although owning a boutique was not something they had planned, they did know for sure that they wanted to help women and children in a spiritual way. Gracewear is their signature brand. What makes this boutique unique is that they have designed and marketed their own brand. The brand is the armor of God. Which is own their jewelry, handbags, and other various items that are in their store.
What type of funding did you obtain in order to own this boutique?
Mary stated “we are self-funded, there weren’t any loans, crowdfunding, or anything of that nature that they used to open their boutique. Our brand is trademarked and backed by investors.”
What type of inventory system do you have?
“We tried numerous ones but found that Vend was the best.” Its an all in one inventory POS system that does the inventory while they are making sales.
Do you obtain any other brands to sell in your store?
Mary said that they travel to the Atlanta market to obtain some other brands to offer their cliental. She also stated that Gracewear is also sold to other venders for them to sell as well.
Mary also said that they do not own their current space, and that they do rent the building.
Mary elaborated that their brand is their passion and the boutique happened about 8 years ago. Mary and Wendy designed their brand about 10 years ago. They are closing the store for now, due to it being too much and they want to focus on their brand alone.
One thing I found that was interesting about this boutique was how beautiful and elegant the inside was. You can tell that these two women put their heart and soul into their brand. They have made a name for themselves. Mary knows that this was the path that God chose for her. I find their story inspirational and I love that their brand has so much meaning to it.
Below is a beautiful card that shows the meaning of their brand. I hope you enjoyed the interview as much as I did.
www.gracewearcollection.com
