Today we’d like to introduce you to Lorrie Schmanski.
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?
Just Girl Stuff started as a children’s boutique after I was blessed with triplet daughters. As my daughters grew so did my business. We started with blessing, baptism, and flower girl, and added on school dance, prom, pageant, and eventually bridal through the years. We have now been in business for 23 wonderful years. My daughter Payton Mackey is my manager and partner in business. Together we strive to run a well organized family-owned small business.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As most business owners can attest, the road has been anything but smooth. As life shifts, so does your business, and the journey is full of ups and downs. Starting as a children’s boutique and gradually growing into prom, pageant, and bridal meant completely redefining our focus and reimagining the overall concept of our store. We transitioned to a more mature audience as we began to rebrand Just Girl Stuff, and with that came major technological advancements that helped us become more well-rounded. I began with pen-and-paper inventory, handwritten sales, and manual processes in between. Although it was familiar and comfortable, switching to a more advanced system allowed our procedures to become precise, efficient, and truly client-focused. I also had to embrace social media and begin growing our platforms to improve our online reach. As the world has become more technologically forward, so has Just Girl Stuff.
Our endurance was truly tested during the COVID-19 pandemic as we struggled alongside countless other small businesses. While trying to stay afloat during our 11-month closure, we continued paying rent, invoices, and were faced with incredibly difficult staffing decisions. 2020 also marked the debut of our bridal collection, adding even more pressure as we introduced a brand-new department in the midst of uncertainty. Although the pandemic was one of our greatest challenges, Just Girl Stuff endured — and today, we are working toward expanding our bridal selection with the goal of having it represent 50% of our store. In the end, our greatest struggle became our proudest triumph.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are Just Girl Stuff, a dress boutique specializing in prom, pageant, quinceañera, and bridal. We proudly offer an exclusive shopping experience that truly sets us apart from our competitors. Our incredible team of dress stylists works one-on-one with every client to guide them through their dress-shopping journey. With their warm hospitality and exceptional inventory knowledge, our stylists create an experience unlike any other. They help select dress options, assist clients in and out of gowns, and support them in narrowing down their final choice.
We are well-known in our community for our welcoming environment and unique dress selection. We strive for every girl to feel confident and uniquely herself in the dress she chooses — a standard reflected in our carefully curated inventory and stunning gown options. We are honored to have countless clients who have been with us from their blessing dresses all the way to their wedding gown, as well as families whose daughters we have had the joy of styling year after year. Watching our clients grow up and celebrating their milestones with them is truly one of our greatest privileges. We pride ourselves on being a positive presence in both our physical and online communities — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all of our amazing clients.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Nothing is more important to me than creating a meaningful experience and a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. Just Girl Stuff is known for being an inclusive space where every individual feels seen, respected, and valued. We take pride in fostering an atmosphere where clients instantly know they belong, no matter their background, style, or story.
This commitment extends beyond our clients to our staff as well. I believe a strong team thrives in a supportive, encouraging workplace, so I continually strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and empowering environment for everyone who works here. I am always seeking ways to grow as a leader — whether through better communication, improved training, or creating opportunities for personal and professional development — so that my team feels appreciated and equipped to succeed.
At the heart of Just Girl Stuff is a culture built on kindness, inclusivity, and genuine connection, and I am dedicated to nurturing that every single day.
Pricing:
- Bridal Gowns: $599.99-$3,999.99
- Prom: $99.99-$699.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justgirlstuff.com/
- Instagram: Prom: https://www.instagram.com/justgirlstuffprom/?hl=en Bridal: https://www.instagram.com/justgirlstuffbridal/?hl=en
- Facebook: Prom: https://www.facebook.com/JustGirlStuff Bridal: https://www.facebook.com/p/Just-Girl-Stuff-Bridal-100054424122429/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/just-girl-stuff
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justgirlstuff4048
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/just-girl-stuff-ogden
