Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1466725
110 maconmagazine.com | APRIL/MAY 2022 RUMOR BOUTIQUE WHEN YOU LOOK GOOD, you feel good and Rumor Boutique on Forsyth Road knows how to make you feel spectacular. Owned by a stylish mother/daughter duo and specializing in customer service with an array of accessories and attire, rumor has it that the key to their success is going above and beyond to be kind. Open since 2005, mom Judy Smith and daughter Ashley Johnson both had retail experience before opening the doors to their brick-and-mortar location. "Owning a store, you wear so many hats. You're not always on the floor, but working with customers on a day-to- day basis is my favorite," Johnson said. "It's what keeps us going. We have a wonderful staff and amazing customers. We always help customers, whether they find something or not. It's our pride and joy to go above and beyond and to make everyone feel welcome and wanted," Johnson said. Johnson had seen first-hand the power of a family-owned business after interning and working her way up to becoming the manager of a boutique owned by three sisters. "It truly takes a village to run a small business," she said. "I feel like having my mom helping me out is everything. I knew how important it was going to be to have someone by my side. I trust her with everything. Family is super important to us. We work together every day to be the best for our customers." Long-time customers are now bringing in their daughters to shop for the latest sizzling styles from amazing brands like Show Me Your Mumu, and the store continues to reach younger audiences through social media. "I have learned that as a business owner, you have to adapt with the times. We didn't grow up in the social media age. We have had to adapt. We've always had great, savvy employees that we lean on to help us on our social media outlets," Johnson said. "I am very thankful we have a brick-and-mortar. Yes, it is nice to have social media and an e-commerce website as an enhancement, but if all of social media was taken away, I feel like Rumor would still be around to provide great clothing and accessories to the Middle Georgia area." Whether you're looking for something casual chic or date-night ready, Rumor is the best of the best and will make you feel that way, too.