Rising Stars: Meet Amanda Benedict

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Benedict.

Hi Amanda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers. 
A little about Blue Jean Boutique: we first launched as a graphic t-shirt line back in August 2020 and quickly expanded into a full boutique. While our in-house designed tee line is still our top-selling collection, we felt we needed to add boutique clothing and accessories to the style of the tee’s, and of course, we sell all things Dolly Parton. In October of 2021, we launched our Mobile Boutique, an upfitted 1997 bread truck named Dolly, at the Fall Southern Charm at the Farm show in Clemmons, NC. We are based out of High Point, North Carolina, but across the South for festivals and pop-up markets in North & South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Virginia, making several trips a year in the Raleigh/Durham area. Several people have likened the experience of stepping inside my boutique truck to being in Lainey Wilson’s closet. It’s a space that encapsulates a vibrant mix of style and personality with a twist of country music. We are best known for our Dolly Parton collection, but we also carry other artist-themed collections like Johhny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, Shania Twain, and Lainey Wilson, just to name a few. I personally design and curate all of the collections, as well as collaborate with fellow makers to create unique accessories and gift items that are exclusive to our store. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is it ever a smooth road as a small business owner? I like to compare entrepreneurship to a roller coaster; you are going to have your highs and your lows and everything in between. Every small business owner is going to face challenges at some point or another. I think, especially when you are having a slow sales month, which in retail happens at current times of the year, it’s easy to have self-doubt/imposter syndrome. Living in a world where social media is so prevalent, it’s easy to compare yourself and business to someone else’s “Highlight Reel” and feel like your business isn’t doing as well as it should be. Sometimes I have to give myself a little reality check and remind myself that what you see online isn’t the whole story, you shouldn’t compare your journey to anyone’s else journey. Everyone’s entrepreneurship story is going to look different. Also, in business there are going to be physical and daily challenges you have to overcome, for me personally having a mobile boutique truck, I’ve had a couple hiccups along the way. For example, last Spring, I broke down in the mountains near Boone while I was coming home from a show in Tennessee. I was stuck there for over 3 hours waiting on a tow, with my phone battery less than 20%. Talk about being anxious and worried. Luckly, I had a copy of Dolly Parton’s book “Dream More” with me, so as I anxiously waited I could read her wise words and that helped me calm down. Again, every small business is going to face its own challenges, and it’s how you deal with and choose to grow through that challenge that is going to make your business. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I truly believe I was created to create. Ever since a young age I have always loved creating and building things. While in school, I received a BFA in Sculpture and worked primarily in metal and ceramic mediums. This is not the degree people expect when you tell them you are an entrepreneur, but like I said, I’ve always loved working with my hands and getting opportunities to be creative. Throughout my career, I have almost exclusively worked for small businesses, which has given me the unique opportunity to wear many hats and use my creativity to problem solve as well as help grow those respective businesses. Thankfully, through this career path, I have gained knowledge and experience in many areas needed to own and run a small business, and for that, I am grateful. 

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I think everyone who opens a small business is taking some kind of a risk. I believe to build something great, you have to be willing to take risk and step outside of your comfort zone. Playing it safe is not how Dolly Parton became one of the most well-known Country Music stars and businesswomen. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bluejeanboutiquenc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluejean.boutique/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluejeanboutiquenc/

Image Credits
Ashley Stone Photography
Morris Creative Agency