The Story Behind How I Became Chic Peony Boutique, LLC

Bonjour, Friends!

I’m sure you are wondering why I would want to create a woman owned-small business in New England during the COVID-19 pandemic. Let me fill you in.

To begin with, I have always been creative, going back to my childhood days of growing up in Austin, Minnesota. I come from a creative family, where my paternal grandmother taught me how to sew.  My creativity has ebbed and flowed over the years. I was always doing something, whether it was sewing, beading, candle wicking, knitting, crocheting, cake decorating, macramé or calligraphy.

Once then COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was unemployed as a Dental Hygienist for two months. Since there was such a mask shortage, I pulled my Singer sewing machine out (a purchase I made in high school!) and began making masks for Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, Connecticut. That was when I remembered how much I enjoyed it.

Creating gives me a sense of immediate accomplishment and it is therapeutic on so many levels. There is something about creating a gift for someone that can be cherished, unlike say cake decorating, where your work is devoured!  

People began reaching out to me on Facebook and Instagram to ask if I could make masks for them and, at that time, I happily did so, on a donation only basis.  

Just before returning to work in Dentistry, I chose to attempt to make hair coverings since this was going to be a new addition for us. This is when I made my first scrub bonnet…and you know what??  I started getting requests for them!  This was when my entrepreneurial mind took over and I began thinking that, just maybe, this could become a business!

And this, friends, is when my woman-owned small business, Scrub Caps, Etc., was born.  Would you believe I now not only have one sewing machine on my dining room table; I have two brand new sewing machines there?!  My Singer that I bought in high school could no longer handle all the sewing I was doing, so I bought a new Singer and most recently a Juki.

While I’m still working full-time as a Dental Hygienist at Middletown Family Dental Associates in Middletown, Connecticut.  I’m also running my business full-time from my home in quaint New England, where my dining room is officially my studio. 

Just last month, I was able to tackle a full rebrand, including a new website, with the assistance of my wonderful business coach, Kate Hammer (@hammer_kate on Instagram).  My business is now named Chic Peony Boutique, LLC. This is based on the loving memories I have of peonies in my grandmother’s backyard.  The peony is my favorite flower, from their scent, to the beauty of their vast blooms, to the kickoff of summer that they represent for me. I’ve become so much more than just scrub caps and am now happy to not only continue to make beautiful, handmade gifts, but am also able to offer curated items featuring all-things peony related, and my love of pink and pearls as well as French inspired fashion and traditions. 

This rebrand has been a dream come true for me as I’ve always wanted to have a specialty gift boutique.  It overjoys me to be able to curate items that relate to my love of French culture.  Who else loves Emily in Paris?!  

I’m carefully selecting unique bold jewelry such as rhinestone bracelets, rhinestone necklaces and pearls.  I’ve selected a few local, woman-owned small businesses to partner with to offer self-care products such as lovely scented Chic Peony Oil and peony scented candles (@akwaaba_skin on Instagram); luscious peony scented body butter, body scrub, hand/body lotion and lip balm (@mandatorymetime on Instagram); and finally Chic Peony scented natural soap (@nathsoapcompany on Instagram).  

My boutique is all about making it easy to shop for beautiful gifts that are gift wrapped in a way that you are proud to deliver.  With this being said, I thought it was appropriate to add beautiful peony cards by the talented artist, Neela of Nila Skies (@nila_skies_stationery), to my collection.  These are blank inside and can be used for any occasion.  

As part of my rebrand, I worked with a wonderful artist, Madison Brooks (@mhbpaper on Instagram), who created a special French inspired design for my business that is visible all over my website.  I’ve incorporated this lovely, whimsical design onto mugs, laptop covers, pillow covers, throw-blankets, mouse pads, notebooks, sweatshirts and have more additions planned.  

I have many more ideas floating through my mind for curations in the near future, which may or may not include cocktails!  

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and definitely turned lemons into lemonade with the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m sure if we all sat down and thought hard, we can find some sunshine that rose during that dark time. 

I’m so happy you are here to share my journey and I look forward to connecting with you!  Also, if you are another business and would like to discuss partnering in some creative way, reach out to me at info@ChicPeony.com or via the button on my website contact page. Of course, I’m always reachable on social on Instagram, @Chic_Peony_Boutique, Pinterest @ChicPeonyBoutique and Facebook @Chic Peony Boutique, LLC.

Oh, and if you haven’t already signed up to be part of the Peony Club, you can do so right here.  You’ll receive an email for 10% off your first order as my appreciation.

Au revoir!

Regina…xo