Becky Sipe had an idea.
She wanted provide a place for shoppers to splurge on quality brands that are usually found in larger metropolitan areas. She was sure that, “This can help Mansfield thrive because these brands can be difficult to find in smaller towns.”
That’s when PurseSnickety was born.
The doors opened in October 2010. At first, the boutique was much smaller. Sipe says, “We used to just carry purses and jewelry, but we have been able to expand the store’s size.” Now, there is a noticeable difference in the merchandise that is offered. Not only are purses and jewelry still available, but clothes, shoes, and phone accessories are items offered. Pandora and Vera Bradley are popular brands that have been there throughout the growth and development.
PurseSnickety first opened on Lexingon Avenue, but Sipe closed that store to open on Lexington Springmill. Now, she is reopening a second location and is taking it back to Lexington Avenue.”We want to make it accessible for that side of town.” The new store location will also have a new name, Poppy. Sipe hopes that Poppy will be open by mid July.
The store will carry it’s own flavor and innovations. Poppy will feature a “jean bar.” Sipe says, “The jean bar will have a variety of different denims available. We will also have a sale room called Penny Lane. In the sale room, the entire floor will be made out of pennies.” Some of the denim brands available are Miss Me, Hudson, Liverpool, Big Star, and LA Idol.
For Sipe, a school teacher of 13 years and a breast cancer survivor, the path to success has been one of a focused effort. She exudes determination and cares about her customer’s happiness, “We want to treat people the way they want to be treated. I have a great staff that wants to help customers find that perfect jean fit,” said Sipe.
She also wants to continue to learn and grow with her stores, “We go to important shows in Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Chicago. We look at the clothing vendors that are on display at these shows because we want to try and be versatile in the brand selections that are provided. We are always looking for the next denim brand.” Since adding clothing to her store, she has seen an enormous difference in sales, “The addition of clothing has created an incredible growth for the store. I am humbled and appreciated by this experience.”
The local entrepreneur looks to continue her same pattern of growth and success. In fall 2013, the store looks to add the TOMS shoe brand. Sipe said, “It’s hard work, but we have had great success in finding popular brands and bringing them back to the Mansfield area.”
It’s hard work, but we have had great success in finding popular brands and bringing them back to the Mansfield area.
