Owner Erin Cook follows her dream to open Big Creek Boutique on downtown square
By Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
Growing up in Arkansas, Erin Cook’s style was influenced by the patterns, colors and style of the Southwest. All of it complemented with just the right pair of boots.
That didn’t change when she moved to Paoli five years ago after marrying her husband, Amos.
She worked in finance as a mortgage supervisor until their third son was born.
The decision to be a stay-at-home mom presented the opportunity to pursue her dream.
“I have always been interested in finance, leadership, marketing, and most of all Western fashion. I had wanted to open a boutique for years but was worried the style wouldn’t take off around here like it would back home,” she said.
She decided to test the waters. She started out small, and opened an online-only boutique, Big Creek Boutique, out of a spare bedroom in their home in August of 2021. For the first month or so, most of her sales were from Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma, with a few placed by customers around Southern Indiana.
“After a couple months of trying to market my style/boutique locally, I started getting the majority of my online orders from in or around Orange County,” she said. “I had been praying about my next step because I really felt like it was time to do more.”
That next step came when the online venture outgrew the spare bedroom. She was encouraged by the success, but making the move to a storefront location was a big step.
Going to a storefront meant hiring staff, committing to regular store hours and increased overhead costs.
“I didn’t want to make any decisions without God showing me that this was what I should do, I prayed for him to direct me to where I need to be and if he didn’t show me anything, I would just be still and stay online until it was time,” she said.
She purchased a cargo trailer to convert into a mobile boutique. After a few successful local events, she was ready to take the boutique to a brick-and-mortar location in downtown Paoli.
A friend told her that her father was selling his barber shop on the Paoli square.
The Cooks felt it was just right for Big Creek Boutique. They purchased the building and immediately began renovating the space. The boutique opened in April 2022.
In addition to clothing, Big Creek Boutique also carries handmade turquoise jewelry from Texas and several items made locally or in Indiana. Those items include bags, purses, leather bracelets and candles and wax melts. During fall/winter, the shop carries men’s and kids clothing.
The shop on the northwest corner of the Paoli square is a reflection of Cook’s style – natural, neutral colors – and her goal to make shopping fun.
“I won’t carry anything that won’t go with my vibes. I don’t carry crazy colors, I like the natural neutrals and I have a following that likes those colors,” she said.
Cook believes helping shoppers find pieces that fit their style is a big part of the boutique experience. That extends to the customer who just wants a few new pieces to one who needs a complete, accessorized outfit for a trip or special occasion.
“It’s a way of personalizing the shopping experience. Most of them, I know their look. They come in and say, ‘I’m going to Nashville and I need an outfit.’”
Cook then goes to work putting together pieces for her customer, who usually walks out with a look they feel good about.
“I love that people feel comfortable enough with me to do that,” she said.
As a mom to Kohan, Kamden and Kase, Cook balances her time between the boutique and family, working three or four days a week while her employees, Nicole, Maddi and Audrey operate the shop the other days.
“Although this business seems like it has taken the fast track in each step it took, I know that in addition to God making it all possible, this area was ready for a store with a different style and different options locally,” Cook said. “Orange County has a variety of great small businesses and they all have so much to offer. I encourage everyone to shop local as much as possible and if you have a dream to do something, do it!”
Pink Friday Nov. 18-19
Pink Friday is a small business spin on the traditional Black Friday shopping experience, reminding people to #ShopSmallFirst.
Big Creek Boutique will host two days of special shopping with local vendors and pop-up boutiques on Nov. 18-19 on the northwest side of the square. The address is 322 NW Court St. in Paoli.