38 minute read
NOTES FROM DR SAM FITNESS TIPS 07 12
from SCL V1
by kn creative
FITNESS TIPS
Motivation—sometimes we got it, sometimes we don’t. By Marietta McClure, Head Trainer, McClure Fitness
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For those of us who frequent a group fitness gym or an equipmentbased gym, our routines ground to an abrupt halt in March. Fast forward eight months to November and December of 2020, and some folks still have not made it back to their exercise routines. I truly believe that it is not a matter of whether someone CAN, it’s a matter of WILL—motivation, in the end.
I polled some of my clients (group fitness fans) on the “why” behind their break because the longer I do this—ten years now to be exact—I realize how very differently each person prioritizes exercise. And I am talking about any kind of break, not just the forced COVID break we all recently experienced.
Here are reasons people took breaks and then struggled to get going again:
On the flip side, post-break, what is a motivating factor to actually get you to start again? You need to pick a reason to keep moving! • I want to have energy again. • I want to button my skinny jeans again. • I want my depression to subside. • I want to age well and keep healthy. • I want to take back my body.
Don’t think about what you have to do (work out), think about what you will get if you do it. You will feel better, you’ll look better and your health will be better.
This is one of my go-to motivating phrases that I say over and over.
It doesn’t matter WHY you walked in the doors today. Maybe it was to burn calories or to release stress; both are good reasons to show up. You will reap ALL the benefits when you exercise. Those who merely wanted a calorie burn also left stress-free and cleared their headspace. Those who walked in to burn off a bad workday also burned calories and got stronger.
Every week we see more and more people getting back to their fitness routines. If you’ve been lacking motivation to start again, know that you are not alone. Ask a friend to go with you. Start slow and steady. Do not compare yourself to the “you” you were a year ago. We’ve all gone through a bad year. You’ve got a chance to come out of it stronger. I’m cheering for you!
HEALTH UPDATE
Efficient and Effective Care of Acute Coronary Syndrome By Jeannie Otts R.T. (R) (CV) (ARRT), Cardiac Cath Lab Director, SMH
Arkansas ranks highest in the nation for heart attack mortality. Heart disease is the number one killer of Arkansans. From 2016–2018, for every 100,000 Arkansans, 80 died of cardiovascular disease. That is why we have made it our mission to make our communities healthy, and to work to provide them with excellent evidence-based care for heart disease.
Saline Health System has provided cardiovascular care for our community for many years. Our Heart & Vascular program has multiple areas within the hospital that focus on testing for and treating heart disease. We provide diagnostic, non-invasive testing and invasive services along with 24/7 call coverage. Heart & Vascular services are provided within a variety of areas throughout the hospital, including the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory (invasive testing and interventions), Heart Station (non-invasive testing), emergency department, ambulance service, and on-campus cardiology clinics.
In September 2020, we received our Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Designation through the American College of Cardiology. The American College of Cardiology Chest Pain Center accreditation is a quality improvement program designed for hospital teams that are focused on providing efficient and effective care for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Acute coronary syndrome refers to symptoms of acute myocardial ischemia, which is when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked partially or completely due to buildup of plaque. What this means for Saline County is we are taking heart disease head on, approaching it systematically through guidelines and evidence-based practice.
To take on heart disease we need to make sure we are not only caring for patients within the walls of the hospital but also others elsewhere in our communities. I would like to share our approach to the fight against heart disease.
We have created a solid foundation for our Chest Pain Center by forming a multidisciplinary committee to provide the Center with structure and leadership. The executive leadership, medical staff leadership, physician champions and frontline staff members of the chest pain committee are dedicated to providing clinical processes for low risk chest pain, non-ST elevation myocardial infarctions and ST elevation myocardial infarctions.
Again, community outreach is key in the fight against heart disease. We currently provide Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) and a hands-only CPR curriculum in a variety of community settings. This includes but is not limited to education on risk factors for cardiovascular disease, signs and
symptoms of acute coronary syndrome, early warning signs, and importance of calling 9-1-1. The message we want to get out is that heart attacks, like other diseases, have early signs and symptoms. 50% of patients with heart disease will show such signs, which if recognized can lead to preventive treatment ahead of a heart attack. I would also like to express the importance of not staying home for fear of going to the hospital because of COVID-19. We have taken great measures to provide a safe place for our patients to come for health care.
If you are experiencing a heart attack, the following is what you can expect from a percutaneous coronary intervention designation. We work to intervene and stop the heart attack by opening the blockage with a balloon, thrombectomy or stent placement. Time is muscle when you have a blocked artery, and the goal for reperfusion is a door-todevice time of 90 minutes or less.
If you call 9-1-1, Saline Memorial Ambulance Service, MedTran, is responsible for your pre-hospital care here in Saline County. It has protocols in place to start treatment on the scene, working to provide first-medicalcontact-to-device times for heart attacks of 90 minutes or less. You can expect the ambulance crew to perform and ECG and treat your chest pain per protocol as they are transporting you to
the hospital. If you are actively having a heart attack, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the ambulance crew will activate a STEMI alert so the cardiologist on call and Cath Lab team can be activated. Once arriving to the emergency department, the cardiac Cath Lab team will take you to the catheterization lab for a diagnostic coronary angiogram with percutaneous intervention to stop the heart attack.
When arriving by private vehicle to the hospital with signs and symptoms of a heart attack, protocols are in place to meet our goal of door-to-device time of 90 minutes or less and save that heart muscle. An RN at the front desk will greet you, take your information, and within 10 minutes perform an ECG. If the ECG should show you are having a heart attack, a STEMI alert will be activated. As above, the cardiologist and Cath Lab teams notified of the STEMI will prepare to take you to the cardiac Cath Lab for a diagnostic coronary angiogram with percutaneous intervention to stop the heart attack.
But having a Chest Pain Center means your care goes beyond the cardiac catheterization lab once the blockage has been opened and the heart attack stops. You will be admitted to our Acute Care areas where we will provide you post-heart attack care. You will have a team of professionals working to give you excellent evidencebased care and education to make sure your heart muscle function is preserved, to get you on the road to healing and lifestyle changes. We are always working to promote healing and prevention of another heart attack.
I leave you with the pledge of Dr. Raymond Bahr, the founder of American College of Cardiology Accreditation Services and leader of the EHAC movement. “I understand that heart attacks have beginnings that may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/ or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. I solemnly swear that if it happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services.” Please join Saline Health System and thousands of other individuals in taking Dr. Bahr’s pledge.
MERRY & BRIGHT
An Arkansas jewelry destination thrives on its three-generation legacy. Baker’s Fine Jewelry in Bryant has built a reputation as the spot for bridal jewelry and custom creations.
“People come from all over the state to shop our bridal collection,” says Carla Baggett, daughter of founder Pat Baker. “We also have our own goldsmith in house, so someone can bring in their precious diamond ring heirloom from their grandmother, for example, modernize it and really make it their own.”
Pat established the business in 1981 in Warren, with her love of people and fine jewelry in mind. She believes she has always had the “most amazing” job she could have ever hoped for, helping people find the perfect piece of jewelry for the perfect occasion.
In February 2005, Pat made the decision to relocate to Bryant to expand the business with her daughter and granddaughter, Madeline Baggett Dunlap. “When I transitioned the store to Bryant I knew I wanted my daughter and granddaughter to be a part of it. Saline County is a growing county and I knew with my family living here it could only help get our name out in the community,” Pat says. “Warren is small and wasn’t growing in the direction I had envisioned. I also knew
with a larger and younger population in Saline County with higher incomes, it would only help our business grow to the next level.”
Pat and Carla joined forces, becoming partners in the business, with Madeline being their next working hand as the third generation. The three-generation team has worked diligently over the last several years to reach their goals and achieve success. Pat organizes the books and maintains great involvement in the community. Carla is the bridal specialist with an expertise in custom designing, and Madeline does all the social media engagement that drives clientele to the business.
Twice a year, the trio travels across the United States to jewelry markets, which allows them to hand select the most updated and fashionable jewelry to bring back home to their clients.
During the challenges this year, the business has focused on not giving up, remaining positive and getting creative. “We have had to pull our heads together as a team and get creative with our approach to still reach people and bring people into our store,” Madeline says. “We have taken all precautions and regulations to ensure everyone’s safety by creating appointments, curbside pick-ups and over-the-phone transactions.”
Baker’s has built business on trust, integrity and customer service. They pride themselves on membership in the Bryant Rotary, Bryant and Benton chambers of commerce, Independent Jewelers Organization, Arkansas Jewelers, and the Bryant Rotary Kids Closet of Saline County.
By supporting local businesses, people support the entire
community, Madeline points out. “We are supporting our community, our city employees, and fire and police department, which allows for a come-together in times that have been so tough. Remember, local small businesses are the ones that support kids’ baseball teams, dance teams and school events.”
Pat adds, “We are blessed and forever grateful for our loyal customers who have allowed us to service them for the past 39 years.”
Follow Baker’s Fine Jewelry on Facebook at facebook.com/ bakersfinejewelry and Instagram @ bakersfinejewelry to keep up with trends, special announcements and giveaways. Jillian Jacuzzi
IT’S ALL ABOUT SEARCHING OR SELLING... You.
Search for Listings at www.SellingBenton.com A Tradition of Excellence. A Reputation for Results.
BENTON
KAREN CROWSON Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI C: 501.860.3000 O: 501.315.3000 Karen@KarenCrowson.com
ANGIE JOHNSON Executive Broker , CRS, GRI, SRES C: 501.529.1584 O: 501.315.3000 Angie.Johnson@crye-leike.com
A PASSION FOR FASHION
Blush Boutique on Military Road in Benton belongs to Sandy and Sarah Baka, longtime Saline County residents. A women’s apparel store, Blush also carries accessories, shoes, candles and paper goods, and is well-known for the lines they carry: Karlie, Chase, Dolce Vita.
Sandy is a native of Hot Springs who moved to Benton 24 years ago when her husband opened the Benton Women’s Clinic. She is currently a nurse at the clinic as well as owner of Blush. Sarah graduated from Benton High School in 2011 and attended UCA in Conway, where she studied Biology. Sarah and Sandy love spending time together, and they decided to open the store so they could do just that.
“Our goal is for every woman to feel beautiful and confident while she is in the store. We make the shopping experience personal, and absolutely love getting to know our customers,” said Sarah. “Our store is known for impeccable customer service. We build personal relationships with our shoppers and take time to know them and make a personal connection with them. When a customer walks into the store, we really want to know how they are doing—we aren’t concerned with selling them something. We understand that relationships are what make this business— and community—stronger.”
shopper needs, we send them to another store here in town that has it. We want people to know we care about them and want to help when we can,” said Sandy.
When asked what Blush Boutique is most known for, Sarah laughingly tells the story of the store’s “magic mirror.” Several years ago during a store remodel, a framed mirror was being moved into the store and sustained a crack in the frame, bending the mirror slightly. Sarah said, “We now call it the magic mirror, and people come into the store specifically to take selfies, claiming it makes them look magically better!”
Blush Boutique participates in the local Small Business Saturday bingo cards, making holiday shopping even more fun for locals. According to Sarah, the hot holiday items for 2020 are “Sweaters, coats and booties— they are already flying off the shelves. We can’t keep them in stock!”
The store’s social media accounts are active: Instagram is a great way to keep informed about store news and the latest merchandise. The store’s handle is @blushofbenton.
“We love Saline County so much, especially that it is a community rooted in Christianity,” said Sandy. “I love that Saline County is a close-knit, family-oriented community and there is a strong sense that others are rooting for your business to succeed,” said Sarah.
In 2017, Sandy was named Volunteer of the Year by the Junior Auxiliary of Benton. Blush Boutique is commonly a proud sponsor of many local non-profit organizations and events, including the Benton Chamber of Commerce, Boys & Girls Club of Saline County
and The John 3:16 Rehabilitation Center. Sandy and Sarah are always excited and honored to partner with local elementary schools for their various fundraising activities. “We support our community and are so thankful for how they have supported us through the years. We look for every way possible to help them out.” Carrie Amox
Dear Friends -
This is my son Max who is now nine years old. When this picture was taken, he was six. Indeed, all he wanted for Christmas were his “two front teeth”.
Not long after the picture was taken, Max’s Christmas wish came true. Two healthy, adult/permanent teeth replaced his missing baby teeth.
Baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth replace them - for most people.
My dental history is a little different. At an early age, probably around six, it was discovered that 12 of my permanent teeth were missing. In other words, they failed to develop. In the dental world, we know this as oligodontia. It is not all that uncommon for a person to have one or two permanent teeth that don’t develop. But 12?
That’s not typical. My situation was more like one in a million. Restoring my smile, both functionally and cosmetically, required a team approach involving orthodontists, oral surgeons, and restorative dentists. As a child, I wore two sets of braces. During my freshman year of college, I underwent surgery which included grafting bone from my hip and placing multiple dental implants. In fact, I remember going one whole semester of college missing several lower, anterior teeth. Amazingly, this did not inhibit me from flirting with girls, including my future wife, Hannah.
Now all these years later, I know what I’m most grateful for. I can honestly empathize with and relate to my patients who are undergoing any surgical, restorative procedures because I have been there. I have an honest appreciation for the value of healthy teeth, both functionally and cosmetically.
I am so grateful to have been born today, in a time when we have amazing restorative options. We have come so far from George Washington’s ivory teeth.
While on complicated cases like my own we work closely with excellent specialists and take a team approach, for straight forward implant cases, we can do that in house. We have invested in technology and training that allows us to predictably place and restore dental implants.
For those of you in Max’s position who find yourself wanting new teeth for Christmas, give us a call. We can help with that. For those of you who are fortunate to naturally have healthy, beautiful teeth, we would love to help you maintain your smile.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Don’t forget to floss.
Dr. Clint Fulks, DDS
When Chris Jordan started his clothing company, Stated Apparel, more than a decade ago, selling t-shirts bearing catchy—and in some cases snarky—messages wasn’t his idea of a possible business empire.
In fact, it wasn’t even his idea of serious business.
“I was in real estate back then and had no desire to get into the apparel business,” Chris said. “But I had a buddy who was making shirts and selling them everywhere we went. It seemed we couldn’t go anywhere without him bringing along some shirts and making $100 selling them everywhere we went.
“We both had a shared interest
in the Razorbacks and wanted to have some fun with that, too,” he added. “So we started a little side thing, setting up at places like RiverFest and mall kiosks.”
During the fledgling business’ first five years, Jordan says their humorous t-shirts gained a following, and in 2015, he and his family relocated to Bryant where he allowed the business to continue growing organically. “That’s when I realized, ‘Yeah. I guess this is my job now,’” he said. “At that point, I started focusing more on the wholesale side of things.”
Move ahead five years,
and Stated Apparel’s popularity is through the roof, both in Arkansas and across the country. The shirts can be found in stores across 44 states and include the Lake Bum, Smart Mouth and Savannah Grace. “This has all grown so fast, I couldn’t begin to guess what the next three to five years might look like,” he said.
Jordan, his wife Casey and their business partner, Adam Barnes, have also expanded to a storefront location in the former Gingles Building in historic downtown Benton. The move allowed the company to be a key part of local business’ efforts to revitalize the downtown area. It also allowed the families to establish roots and demonstrate their commitment to Saline County.
“My wife and I have really been focusing on building relationships within the community,” he said. “From opening the store in the Gingles Building to being a part of this amazing revitalization effort, we wanted to share our love of this community with others and show our appreciation as we’ve kept growing.”
In the recent months, the Jordan’s have seen their love for Saline County returned their way, following Casey Jordan’s diagnosis with a rare form of NonHodgkin’s Lymphoma (acute lymphoblastic lymphoma).
And both Casey and Chris believe that Casey’s strong response to her treatment has in large part resulted from the support of their friends, loved ones and the people of Saline County.
Stated Apparel is located in the former Gingles Building at 145 W. South St. in Benton. You can reach them by phone at 501.794.6363 and online though Facebook, Twitter and at www.statedapparel.com. Charles Crowson
MORE THAN JUST MEDICINE
Bryant Family Pharmacy on Highway 5 is indeed a traditional pharmacy, praised in the community for its efficient service and unique clothing and gift items. The store owners, Jonathan and Bricin Martin, both Bryant natives, are quick to say that their business is all about people.
Their store mascot, the couple’s Portuguese water dog, Finn, is also a fixture in the community. “He is so well known by our customers— they absolutely love seeing him when they drive up,” said Bricin.
Bricin received her undergraduate degree from Arkansas State in Jonesboro, and went on to earn a Master’s degree from UAMS as a Nurse Practitioner. Jonathan also attended UAMS, where he received his Master’s degree in Pharmacy, and both settled back in Saline County, where Jonathan worked at the nowclosed USA Drug location in Bryant. A few years later, the Bryant Family Pharmacy doors officially opened April 1, 2013, after many months of hard work, preparation and lots of prayer.
At that time, Bricin also went
to work on the retail side, investing an initial $500 of their own money on inventory, just to see if there would be interest from customers. What they saw at the beginning was interest in clothing, which sold consistently. From there, Bricin branched out into gifts, home décor, accessories, and took her first trip to market. “At first our customers came in for the pharmacy run and made an impulse purchase. Then customers started coming in to shop.”
The Bryant Family Pharmacy has several must-have items for anyone on a holiday shopping list. According to Bricin, “Brumate insulated cups are a top seller, as is the Tyler Candle Company laundry detergent—it smells so good! Of course our biggest crowd favorite is the Capri Blue Volcano candle, of which we are the exclusive sellers in Saline County. We have something for everyone and can make the holiday extremely easy!”
As business owners, the Martins share that it is easy to find things to appreciate about the Saline County community. “We are always blown away by how this community makes a conscious effort to shop local and support small businesses.”
The Martins have attended Midtown Church in Benton for 13 years and believe wholeheartedly that their business came about because of a lot of prayer and a series of events orchestrated to allow them to open their doors. According to Bricin, “The whole story of how we came to own
Bryant Family Pharmacy proudly supports the local community, which includes the Boys & Girls Club of Bryant and Saline County, the C.A.L.L of Arkansas local chapter, Second Chance Youth Ranch, and sports teams and schools. “Really whatever we can do to help, we want to. If we get a request to support something, we make every effort to make it happen. It’s so important to give back to this community that has been so good to us.” Carrie Amox
Looking for the perfect gift ideas?
Custom frame something special for everyone on your list!
Tammy Iosbaker | 501-316-4113
216 East Sevier St. Benton, AR 72015 (inside Madison’s of Benton) @TheFrameMakerAR
Making A List & Checking it Twice -Check off your Christmas list in our Boutique! ������ Women’s Clothing ������ Tyler Candles & Detergents ������ Jewelry & Accessories ������ Volcano Candles ������ Children’s Clothing & Toys ������ BruMate Drinkware ������ Baby Items & Gifts ������ Bath & Spa Items ������ ������ Home Decor Door Hangers (Bombs, Salts, etc) ������ Inspirational Gifts
Happy Holidays!
STYLE SO GOOD
You never want to let a good opportunity go to waste. It’s a good practice in life, just as it is in business.
Almost three years ago, Kate Moore and Aimee Brown launched their first business, This Little Piggy, a children’s clothing boutique targeting the niche market of trendy clothing for youngsters living in Saline County.
That business began online. But as popularity grew, the two women and their husbands collectively decided it was time to open a physical location.
“The building we found just sort of fell in our laps,” Kate said.
That building was the historic Bush Building in the heart of downtown Benton. Known as the “Iron Palace” for its iron storefront, it had been the home to many businesses since its construction in the 1880’s.
And that’s where things got interesting for Kate and Aimee, who intended to open and focus on their original business venture, This Little Piggy. “In addition to opening our store for children’s apparel, we ended up inheriting a women’s clothing store (formerly McClain & Co.), which was also open in the building,” Aimee said.
They decided to keep the women’s boutique, and within two months, the partners changed that store’s name to SoCo South + CoCo (named for their children) and operate SoCo and Piggy to complement one another.
“We never dreamt of having a women’s store,” Kate said. “Our idea was all about kids’ clothing, and this turned out to be a great opportunity. We were nervous at first since this wasn’t the plan, but I think it’s worked out well for us and our customers.”
Since the previous owner only used half of the Bush Building for the existing women’s store and Kate and Aimee intended to use the other half for their store, the question became, why not combine the two and market to both children and their families?
“When you look at it from the street, it looks like two separate stores, each with its own entrance,” Kate said. “After you come in, though, we’ve set things up to allow customers to pass through from one store to the other. We have some remodeling ideas we want to put in place, but it’s time consuming, and with COVID, we have to be patient.”
Kate and Aimee currently work with two buyers who help with clothing selections to coordinate with their children’s products. “Working with them has been amazing,” Kate said. “We couldn’t have asked for two better people to be in business with.”
As projected, Kate and Aimee said the two boutiques play well off one another, with families coming in to shop for everyone in one location.
“One of the perks to having the locations side-by-side, is that a mother may come in to shop for a child’s outfit for family pictures,” Aimee said. “While here, she’ll be able to find a matching outfit for herself. It wasn’t something we necessarily planned, and it works out great.”
SoCo has continued growing consistently since moving into the space in 2018. The boutique offers brands like Pistola Jeans, Dolce Vita and Steve Madden, along with skin care products from Capri Blue.
SoCo Boutique is located at 117 South St. in downtown Benton. Reach them at 501.337.3027, or visit them online at www.shopthislittlepiggy.com.
2 Ways to SAVE for theHolidays!
1CHRISTMAS CLUB* Join now for our 2021 Christmas Club. This club is a separate account that matures on Nov. 1st of each year, allowing you to save and then have the funds deposited just in time to begin your holiday shopping. You can chose when and how much to have transferred into this account.
*Partial early withdraws are not allowed. $20 will be charged for early close out. 2 CHRISTMAS LOAN SPECIAL* Don’t load up on high interest credit cards! This special offer will run from until December 31st, 2020. Members will be eligible to apply for up to $2,000 at an 8.00% interest rate. Payments would be approximately $8.70 for every $100 borrowed.
*Annual percentage rate. Membership eligibility required. Your rate and terms are determined by your credit qualifications. This offer may withdrawn at any time.
Merry Christmas!
KEEPING KIDDOS CUTE
Where two moms saw the need, they found the way. That’s how Kate Moore and Aimee Brown describe their inspiration to launce This Little Piggy (TLP) children’s boutique and clothier.
“I have four children, and Aimee has two. We’d been talking about it with our husbands for years, but the time never seemed right,” Kate said. “When my husband (country music singer/songwriter, Justin Moore) and I had our fourth child, a little boy, he saw how I was struggling to find clothes and was ordering everything online. Aimee and I talked again, this time deciding, ‘Let’s do this.’”
Convincing Justin, and Aimee’s husband, Ross, took a little more time, but the four agreed to give it a shot by first starting as an online business.
“Our husbands are heavily involved with this, and this really is a partnership with the four of us,” Aimee said. “In fact, they thought of the store name. It comes from their love of the Arkansas Razorbacks, but it’s also a play on the children’s game.”
As online sales grew and This Little Piggy developed a following, the families decided it was time to find a storefront. They purchased the historic Bush Building (built in 1883) in downtown Benton, and in September 2018, This Little Piggy opened its doors.
“The [Bush] building is so cool with a lot of its original architecture and design still in place,” Kate said.
“An interesting twist also came along when we bought [the Bush Building],” Aimee added. “In addition to opening our store, we inherited a women’s clothing store (formerly McClain & Co.), which was also open in the building.”
The families chose to keep that boutique, too, and just a few months later, SoCo was in business. “That name comes from two of our children,” Kate said. “My son’s name is South, and Aimee’s youngest daughter is named Conlee. It was a nice fit.”
Kate and Aimee both come from retail backgrounds, and both admitted to some serious nerves when the day came to open This Little Piggy. “That day we were getting ready, and I turned to my husband and said, ‘What if no one shows up?’” Kate said. “He encouraged me, saying not to worry and that everything would work out. I needed to hear that.”
As it turns out, Kate’s husband was right.
“We opened for just four hours on a Sunday,” Kate said. “It that time, we did what we would normally do on a Black Friday. It was amazing, and we’ve kept going from there.”
Aimee said This Little Piggy’s customer base has grown since opening, and the two women are consistently busy balancing their businesses with their families and other
responsibilities. She added that their stores have continued performing well during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A lot of businesses have struggled these past few months, and while things have been different, we’ve kept things steady,” she said.
To attract those customers looking for trendier fashion choices for their children, This Little Piggy offers brands like Ugg’s Boots & Shoes, Pink Chicken, Nativ, Joe’s Jeans and Jelly Cat. The boutique is located at 117 South St. in the heart of downtown Benton.
They can be reached at 501.337.3027, or you can visit them online at www.shopthislittlepiggy. com Charles Crowson
A ONE STOP BABY SHOP
A refashioned children’s boutique, formerly known as Lillian Trails, hopes to give downtown Benton shoppers a shop worth throwing a fit over. Accordingly named “Tantrums,” the boutique reopened at the end of October.
Like its predecessor, Tantrums provides “all things kiddo,” says owner Kelsi Evans. The shop has children’s apparel and gifts for babies and toddlers through adolescence.
If anything, Kelsi says she hopes Tantrums will bring “a bit of happy” to Saline County. “I try my best to give moms their time in the shop,” she says. “My favorite part is loving and playing with the kiddos who come in. We have one sweet boy who has his mama message us on Instagram to
check on his ‘friends’ (my daughters and me) and it just warms my heart.”
Kelsi’s hope is that every parent can come and shop knowing Kelsi “gets it”—the ups and downs of parenting and the tantrums in between. “My motto is, let’s read a book or color or dance and let your mom shop.”
Kelsi says she just wants Tantrums to be a fun spot for moms and children. “Mommin’ isn’t easy and it takes a village.”
She also tries to make sure the price points are affordable while remaining competitive. “It’s hard being a small
business and competing with big box store prices and that’s always a challenge, but I truly try.”
Like many individuals and small businesses, Kelsi has seen challenges this year. Lillian Trails closed its doors pre-pandemic in January for renovation, per the landlord’s request. Weeks turned into months, and then Kelsi learned her store wasn’t included in the renovation plans.
After much prayer, another local business owner contacted Kelsi and offered her building space, and Kelsi was off to new adventures. “It was the fastest whirlwind of a month, but I’m totally happy to be back, and the outpouring of love and support from our town is amazing.”
Being shut down from January to October was difficult. From being at the house to watching what felt like her business falling apart, Kelsi says a bright spot is she’s grown in many ways.
Kelsi got her start in retail at a young age and had always dreamed of having a shop in downtown Benton. She jumped into retail when she worked at Forsyth’s and Kristen Todd in Little Rock with her “Nana” from the time she could work, through college. She worked in medical social work following college until her oldest was headed to kindergarten.
What motivates her to keep going are her girls, Sawyer and Harper. “I’ve been thrown a few curveballs this year, and the last thing I want
them to see is their mama giving up,” she says. The girls were some of her biggest cheerleaders when deciding to take the offer to reopen.
With the holidays approaching, Kelsi says to look out for Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. “We will have 20 percent off all apparel and a chance to win a Kate Spade bag. I always offer promotions during the holiday season—it’s my favorite time of year.”
She encourages shoppers to follow Tantrums on social media to keep up with all of the deals: https:// www.facebook.com/Shop.Tantrums. Downtown on Facebook and @shop_ tantrums on Instagram. Jillian Jacuzzi
Throwing a Fit Over
SHOP SMALL SATURDAY 20% off all apparel and a chance to win a Kate Spade bag! Peep the social media channels to keep up with all deals/promos!
IT’S ABOUT TO GET WILD
Chris Jordan knows what sells. For the past decade, he and his wife Casey have owned and operated a successful screen-printing business, Stated Apparel. Throughout the years, their business has grown from mall kiosks to a wildly successful online store supported by an 8,000 squarefoot warehouse and a staff of twenty employees. Their business is now the parent company for multiple apparel brands inspired by local flavor that ship all across the country.
With the great success of their business, Chris and Casey began dreaming of the next evolution of their brand and Wild Boutique was born.
“We are a part of a close-knit community,” explains Chris. “Every business owner pulls together to support one another and that kind of attitude has helped our downtown evolve. When we dreamed about our brick and mortar boutique, I pictured my business downtown and seeing everyone pull in the same direction. It’s been cool to see downtown become a destination spot. We are a hip downtown.”
Wild Boutique pop-up shop opened in November, and the storefront is slated to open in spring of 2021. Located at 102 North Market Street in downtown Benton, the new boutique offers a modern, aesthetically pleasing vibe for customers of all walks of life. No matter your price point, Wild Boutique has a range of apparel, accessories and shoes that speaks to nearly everyone’s style.
Lyndsey Taylor is the marketing director for Stated Apparel as well as a buyer and an influencer for Wild Boutique. Her eye for trends and her attention to detail have inspired the look and feel of the new boutique’s brand. When it comes to her style influences, she says, “I stay on top of boutiques on the west coast and in New York. We are looking for things that Arkansas is usually the last to have.”
For Lyndsey, the timing to lead the marketing efforts for Wild Boutique could not have come at a better time. After growing up near all the glitz and fashion of the pageant world in Arkansas and owning her store for years, she jumped at the chance to support a new fashion endeavor. “Literally everything about this job makes me excited,” said Lyndsey. “I’ve always dreamed of influencing a boutique like this and in this location.”
Her must haves for this fall are denim jackets, 90s combat boots, and loungewear; all of which you can find at Wild Boutique. The boutique will also sell Stated Apparel brand favorites, Savannah Grace and Smart Mouth.
Wanting to keep the local feel, Chris and Casey’s vision for the new boutique remains simple and authentic. “At Wild Boutique, we understand trends,” says Lyndsey. “There’s something for everyone.”
“We have a really talented team,” said Chris. “The boutique will appeal to a multifaceted audience. You can shop and follow looks from Lyndsey, Catarenna, Maddy and Stephanie
at Wild Boutique. On social, we will showcase their personalities, authentically, in a reality-televisionstyle and host sales on Facebook Live. We’ll showcase the work in our boutique and warehouse business. We are excited to see our audiences grow.”
To find out more about Wild Boutique, find them online at shopwild.online. You can follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/ shopwildonline/ and Instagram @ shopwild.online. Each week, they will offer a chance for their followers to win giveaways. Be sure to shop local and stay wild! Ashley Leopoulos
