“We were so humbled to see a line waiting for us to open this year. With the economy the way it is, to see people standing in line to spend their hard-earned money with us is truly humbling. My sweet girls – Madison Pruitt, Morgan Anglin, and Avery Tapp – worked all week to make Saturday special for everyone.””

LeAnne Anglin

Excitement filled the air on Saturday, June 29th as O’Claire’s celebrated their 5th birthday at their storefront in Downtown, Iuka. This milestone marked not only 5 years of service but a testament to O’Claire’s commitment to excellence and growth with the community.

O’Claire’s is a locally owned boutique by Brian and LeAnne Anglin. The store offers a variety of women’s clothing from XS-XL and plus sizes, clothing accessories, a selection of gifts, and other items. Every year, the store celebrates its birthday with a grand celebration to recognize and celebrate those that shop year-round. The small business offers swag bags, sales, and giveaways as a small “thank you” to their customers.

“We were so humbled to see a line waiting for us to open this year. With the economy the way it is, to see people standing in line to spend their hard-earned money with us is truly humbling,” owner LeAnne Anglin said. “My sweet girls – Madison Pruitt, Morgan Anglin, and Avery Tapp – worked all week to make Saturday special for everyone.”

“I do a lot of the background work when it comes to the store, so for us to have been voted Friendliest Staff and for me to receive the kind messages I do about the store speaks volumes about them (Madison, Morgan, and Avery).” said LeAnne “Those girls are the dream team, and I couldn't be more blessed to have them (and their pups) as the face of our store.”

This year’s 5th birthday celebration, the boutique offered swag bags to the first 15 in line, several giveaways, and sale items throughout the store. The big hit this year was a rented balloon dome from Ray Co. Event Rentals, that several community members enjoyed.

“Being a small business owner is a rollercoaster ride!” said LeAnne. “My husband, Brian, was the driving force behind opening the boutique. I had always dreamed of owning a business but would never have pursued it if it wasn’t for him. The greatest privilege of being small business owners is being a part of our wonderful community. We get to be a part of people's big days, small days, and everything in between.”

The inspiration behind O’Claire’s is LeAnne's grandfather, Olen (the O in O'Claire's). He owned multiple businesses in Eufaula, Alabama – some of them being clothing stores. “Being plus size, I've always seen the need for plus size clothing and I'm so glad to be able to help offer that in our town along with our friends at 3 Sisters Boutique” LeAnne said.

O’Claire’s first opened their doors in June of 2019 at 109 S. Fulton Street, between Cornerstone Insurance and Curated Cottage. In 2020 the store was hit with Covid and like many other small businesses, had to close the storefront. They continued posting online, shipping orders, and offering curbside pickup.

In 2021 store owners, LeAnne and Brian, purchsed the storefront location where they are currently located. During the renovation of this building, the tornado that swept through Iuka in August of 2021 hit several homes, businesses, and buildings – including O’Claire’s recent and current location.

“The roof was ripped off 2 weeks before we were supposed to have our grand opening,” said LeAnne. O’Claire’s faced adversity in several ways due to the tornado. One week after the tornado a new roof was going to be installed. Then Hurricane Ida made landfall. The couple spent sleepless nights at the store vacuuming water with shop vacuums to prevent flooding of the new location. Thanks to a community that surrounded them, they were able to transport inventory, displays, and items from one location to the other. With the help from city officials, family members, and close friends O’Claire’s was able to reopen with their grand opening, 2 weeks after the tornado.

“I firmly believe that we will be open as long as the Lord wants us here,” LeAnne said. She states that this is where their motivation comes from – community members willing to help, friendly customers, family members, friends, and work staff: Madison, Morgan, and Avery.

Along with many other small businesses, the store is battling with fast fashion. Fast fashion factory companies such as Shien and Temu are hurting small businesses overall. Shopping with businesses such as these results in money being given to other countries. Whereas shopping locally and within small businesses, profit circulates through the economy – employing individuals, supporting local schools and churches, hosting and sponsoring events, sponsoring local little league and sports teams, and the list goes on.

“With the price increases, people are hurting and having to choose between groceries and gas - understandably, boutique items tend to come last on the list of necessities.” Another challenge being faced by many citizens today. “Things that costed $50 to ship 2 years ago, are now costing $400.” said LeAnne.

Although these are challenging, the store is excited for what is to come. Looking into the future, O’Claire’s hopes to get an online website up and running to make online orders easier and to reach a larger audience.

The next big community event they are hosting will be the 3rd annual Howl-oween Festival. The shop puts on a costume contest for dogs, offers pet portraits, pup cups, raffle items, and much more. At the end of the event, the shop donates a monetary gift to Tishomingo Co Foster Rescue, run by Ms. Gail Milligan.

“Being a small business owner has always been a dream of mine, and I am honestly so thankful I get the privilege of being a small business owner.” said LeAnne. “We truly hope to be a light in the community, and to share His love with anyone who enters our store. I hope to be here on our little corner of downtown until I retire and can pass it on to someone else.”