Today we’d like to introduce you to Hope Stoner.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hope was just like any other high school student trying to find her “calling” in life. She visited colleges during Covid and saw the struggle it was going to be attending school during that time. She decided to start her own business and do what she loved-fashion. She began with pop ups and started her online business. At the end of her senior year, Hope and her mom were looking at locations for ideas of what to expect in her future for building a storefront. They came across the old building she is now in and fell in love instantly! The history of the building is portrayed in photos on the wall dating back to 1940’s. Five weeks before she graduated high school, she was signing a lease and building out her very own business! Her graduation celebration was her grand opening.
And a Little Hope Boutique opened in June 2021. Little did Hope know that it would be a tough road but an amazing adventure! Hope had help from her Mom-ager and together they created a fun environment that is all girlie. Through the years of being in business they have grown to find the best fit for their store. The boutique focuses on teen and college age girls, and offers some attire for adult women as well. The building has a pink porch and pink door that opens up to bright clothing and fun gifts, Hope added a fun mural wall on the side of the building that is used frequently for photos. Each day is a learning experience!
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?
And a Little Hope Boutique definitely did not have a smooth road beginning. Hope struggled with finding her niche crowd and there is also the struggle with selecting items that shoppers will love. Needless to say, Hope has found favorites and now has shoppers daily instore as well as online.
The easiest part of the business was loving all the people that walk in the door. Each person has a story to tell and sometimes they just want to get away and shopping is GREAT therapy!
As you know, we’re big fans of And a Little Hope Boutique. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
And a Little Hope Boutique is a cute little boutique full of fashion and faith! We focus on teens, tweens, college age girls and adult women clothing along with jewelry, accessories and gifts. Hope Huber got married 2 years ago to Blake Stoner. He is the founder of Jesus Freak Club which is located next door. Having her husband next door and getting to bounce ideas off each other is a blessing! She is all pink and he is all neutral so of course they complement each other perfectly!
Hope launches a new faith tee she designs each quarter. She is proud of her designs. She considers herself blessed to be able to help others. Her favorite bible verse is posted by the door “Do nothing out of selfish ambition…values others above yourself. Phil 2:3-4” Helping girls feel pretty is what the boutique is all about. Hope and her team are available to guide others to finding the perfect outfit for the special occasion or the best gift for any celebration.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Hope tends to use Canva for creating content. Other apps that are required would be most social media apps. This is the way she reaches her shoppers. Another great resource is the Bible! Hope has a great faith and trusts that God has a plan for her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.andalittlehope.com/
- Instagram: andalittlehope
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andalittleHope/
- Pinterest: andalittlehope
- TikTok: andalittlehope
Image Credits
Images by Hope Stoner, picture of Hope and Michelle is by Terren Hurst
