Sitting down with Elliott Bridgers, owner
(803) 834-7330
MainstreamBoutique.com
What is the mission of your business?
Our mission is to empower women to look and feel their best as they go out and tackle the world. It’s all about enhancing self-confidence and, ultimately, quality of life.
What do you like best about your line
of work?
We help our customers put together looks based on their body type and lifestyle. The most rewarding part of our day is when a customer leaves with a smile on her face. Maybe she is excited about a dress that’s going to let her shine at an important function, or she finally found some chic yet comfortable pieces to update her work wardrobe.
How did your business begin?
A family friend opened a Mainstream Boutique in Florence. I had not previously considered being a boutique owner, although I had always had a fascination with the transformational power of fashion and make-up. After much research into Mainstream’s business model, I ardently pursued leaving the corporate world and becoming a small business owner. I feel blessed to have a career that utilizes my creative side in assembling looks for customers, merchandising the store, and selecting inventory at market. It makes the necessary evils of accounting and administrative duties more palatable.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about your business?
The Mainstream brand has been building momentum for more than 20 years in the fashion industry. This franchise was born around a kitchen table and now has more than 70 locations nationwide. Each store is individually owned and operated, allowing the inventory to reflect local tastes and needs. Our franchisees search the country for clothing and accessory lines that are unique and made with quality materials. The buying power of the Mainstream brand allows us to offer our customers more affordable prices.
