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Serving First, Selling Second: The Secret to Retail Growth

Boutique Chat
Boutique Chat

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From feeling out of place as a young girl to becoming a beacon of inspiration for women nationwide, DeAnna Maynard-Goodman (also known as “FabD”) has embarked on a journey that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Today, she joins the show to share how her experiences in the beauty industry shaped her path and inspired her to launch a boutique with just a modest $300 investment. DeAnna also opens up about navigating her career through the challenges of COVID-19 and reveals how focusing on meeting her community’s needs became the key to both fulfillment and success.

Serving First, Selling Second: The Secret to Retail Growth

The Fire That Changed Everything

Back in 2015, DeAnna had been running a successful beauty salon when, in the middle of the night, she received a phone call that changed her life forever. Her salon was on fire. Panic set in—had she left a curling iron on? Was it an accident? But as she arrived at the scene, she realized that everything was up in smoke.

Months later, she learned that the fire was an act of arson, set by a man struggling with mental health and addiction. “I had nothing,” she recalls. “Not even a bobby pin to do someone’s hair. And that was my livelihood, how I fed my kids.”

Choosing Resilience Over Defeat

Faced with the choice to give up or fight for her future, DeAnna chose to rebuild. Finding a new location wasn’t easy—every door seemed to close before her. But through unwavering faith, she held onto the belief that her purpose was bigger than her challenges. “God opened the door for us,” she says. “We were back up and running in 30 days—it was nothing short of a miracle.”

It was in that new space that she took a leap of faith, investing just $300 in plus-size clothing to sell in the salon’s lobby. That small decision would transform her business forever.

Building a Community, Not Just a Business

What started as a small addition to her salon soon became her true calling. DeAnna’s boutique didn’t just sell clothes; it became a safe space for plus-size women to feel seen and celebrated. “Representation matters,” she emphasizes. “Not all plus-size bodies look the same, and people want to see someone who looks like them wearing something they’d feel good in.”

Beyond fashion, DeAnna’s boutique became a beacon of encouragement. Her live sales weren’t just about making money—they were about making connections. “There are women watching from hospital beds, retirees looking for purpose, new moms struggling with postpartum. I might be the only positive part of their day. That’s why I show up, even when it’s hard.”

The Power of Purpose

DeAnna’s journey proves that business isn’t just about profits—it’s about people. “I chose to get better, not bitter,” she says. “And I’m so glad I did. Because if I had given up, this community wouldn’t exist.”

Her story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of serving others. “Sales follow service,” she says. “When you take yourself out of the equation and focus on your customer, that’s when the real magic happens.”

Lessons from DeAnna’s Journey

  1. Resilience is a choice. Life will throw challenges your way, but you decide whether to rise or retreat.
  2. Your why matters. Business gets tough, but having a clear purpose makes every struggle worth it.
  3. Community over competition. Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about the people you impact along the way.
  4. Kindness is key. Inspired by Mary Kay Ash’s words, DeAnna believes in making everyone feel important, whether it’s a customer, an employee, or the pizza delivery guy.

DeAnna Maynard-Goodman’s story is proof that even in the darkest moments, light can emerge. And sometimes, what seems like the end is just the beginning of something even greater.

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