Passion for fashion in the community

The bustle of customers, onlookers walking by, doors opened wide. In Stacey Weismann’s Millie Lynn Boutique, it’s a new day, a new start. 

In Mt. Pleasant’s Towne Centre, one of Weismann’s two Millie Lynn Boutiques, opened in 2019. Additionally, the business owner also possesses Esselle in downtown Charleston. With three stores under her belt, Weismann describes her day-to-day routine.

“Everyday is honestly different, it depends on what store needs me the most that day,” Weismann said. 

Her time is spent in between stores. Oftentimes, she moves from one store to the next in order to complete work tasks. Additionally, Weismann also keeps the Millie Lynn Instagram updated daily. 

“I will go to Millie Lynn downtown before we open around eight and work on putting new inventory out, then head to Esselle and work the store front while checking emails, posting to our social media and placing any orders for supplies or new inventory we need,” Weismann said. 

As her day progresses, and Weismann completes work around 5 to 7p.m., the stores are closed. Likewise, Weismann’s employees recount their jobs and how it compares to previous ones. 

Working at Millie Lynn since Dec. 2022, senior Mia Leone describes the work environment as enjoyable and stress-free. Likewise, she shares a similar attitude towards her boss. 

“I’ve worked several jobs before but I have never met a boss like Stacey. She’s not one of those bosses that you dread seeing or say bad things about them behind their back. In fact, most of the time when I’m with coworkers we talk about how lucky we are to have a boss like Stacey,” Leone said. 

Additionally, junior Josephine Phillips loves to work in the fashion-focused store. Her shifts are usually scheduled with friends, which only improves the busy weekends. This allows Philips to enjoy her shifts.

“Working at Millie Lynn is super fun because I love fashion. So I love seeing the new pieces we get in and setting them up in the store. The work environment is awesome. All of the girls get along and our boss is really great with us. I’m always in a good mood when I’m working,” Phillips said.

Leone also agrees with the enjoyable workspace. Her shifts are adaptable to her availability. Even more, Leone’s shifts are fulfilling to what she looks for in a job.

“Working at Millie Lynn is very engaging and flexible. I’d say one of my favorite things about working there is how it never feels like a burden going to work. Stacey is a very flexible person who will always take the time to work things out or talk with you,” Leon said

Phillips further describes the type of relationship Weismann shares with her employees. She acknowledges how it allows for the environment at Millie Lynn to work. 

“Stacey is a great boss because she creates relationships with her workers, but they aren’t unprofessional. She knows how to have authority but also how to connect with her employees,” Phillips said.

The bond between Weismann, Leone, and Phillips, along with their coworkers, is shared between them. Weismann is able to engage with her employees, allowing her to see their work firsthand. 

“My employees are amazing. I see a little bit of myself in all of them, they are smart, trustworthy, kind-hearted, genuine and hard-working. They know this is a small business, so they really take on the job as if it were their own business, trying to better the store in looks and ideas all the time,” Weismann said. 

Weismann’s passion for her store is influential to everyone, including the girls she hires and the customers she attends to. Weismann is able to make an impact on others as a businesswoman. Phillips explains Weismann’s eagerness and how it affects her. 

“I definitely look up to Stacey because she created Millie Lynn all on her own. It’s super cool to see a young woman create and run a business that so many young girls love and can look up to,” Phillips said.

Weismann also views her leadership as a way of being able to connect with others in the Charleston area. There are struggles, but Weismann looks at her stance in a positive light. She sees it as an ability rather than a burden.  

“Being a businesswoman is rewarding and challenging every day. I love being a female entrepreneur and being able to connect with other businesspeople and the community,” Weismann said.

Weismann has many favorite memories since she opened Millie Lynn. These have been opportunities that allowed her to combine her work with people around Mt. Pleasant.

“There have been a lot of good memories, but I probably look forward to the Mt. Pleasant Towne Centre Breast Cancer Fashion show every year. I have the pleasure to style a survivor of breast cancer and cheer her on while she walks in the fashion show,” Weismann said.

However, Weismann’s dedication runs from her connection to the community to the love for her stores. As well as wanting to accommodate others, she also wants to expand her businesses and future plans. 

“[I want to continue] to grow and make Millie Lynn and Esselle better, work within the community and possibly open a men’s or swim store,” Weismann said.

Weismann’s commitment to Millie Lynn and Esselle is an essential establishment. Her love for her job is what anchors the store. Weismann notes this and encourages anyone to go for what they want. 

“Go for what you want, whether it be a certain job or company, and work hard at your job so you can provide for yourself,” Weismann said.