To Flourish: A Story About the Women Behind Coterie Boutique
Creating Coterie
Article by Luci Lammoglia
When you open the bright pink and navy blue doors of Coterie Boutique, you will feel like you’ve escaped into a world of clothes, furniture, and sweet spirits. After entering the store, your eyes will be drawn to the fun pops of color found in every corner that will fill your soul with excitement. Expect to be greeted with a friendly “How are you?,” a kind smile, and a mimosa. Coterie Boutique is a friendly environment that invites all to come shop and chat with the Coterie Team while shopping from a wide selection of merchandise that is unique to the store. This beautiful community was founded by Jenny Tamplin and Jackie Bullard a little over two years ago.
It all began with Jackie’s dream—that of owning her own business. When she noticed the need to improve the shopping experience for women in the Brazos Valley, she decided that opening a boutique was the perfect way to follow her dream and simultaneously serve a purpose within the community. Jackie shared her idea with interior designer Jenny Tamplin because Jackie knew that Jenny would be able to transform the boutique space in the exact way she envisioned. Jackie also had hoped that Jenny would join her team, incorporating decor and clothes into the same space. This concept had not yet been seen in the Brazos Valley to the extent that Jackie was striving for, and it was about time that changed.
“If we could go back and change one thing, it would be that we trust ourselves more.”
A few short months later, Jenny joined Jackie to co-own Coterie Boutique. The next steps included taking business classes to learn the ins and outs that would bring Coterie to life. They had never sought a retail business venture, so there was a lot to learn before the grand opening in 2017. Jackie admitted that one of the biggest hurdles during this journey was stepping out into the unknown and learning as they took each step. Looking back, the co-owners knew that following their instincts was a big factor in moving forward.
“I am not the same person today that I was whenever we opened two years ago...We have learned a lot of things about ourselves because we were thrown into it. You realize that you are capable of more than you thought you were capable of doing”
Since cutting the ribbon in front of Coterie Boutique, Jackie and Jenny have opened a new larger location with two neighboring boutiques in the same space, Coterie Boutique and Coterie Home. Over the past two years, they have developed friendships with clients in the Bryan and College Station area, collaborated with influencers and reached women beyond the city limits of College Station through social media. Behind the scenes, they have learned how to work with each other effectively, leaving room for individual expression and cohesiveness. They have also grown personally in ways which they had never imagined they would. For example, Jackie shared that she felt more comfortable working quietly in her office space instead of speaking publicly. Now, she volunteers to take videos for social media, talks during private party fashion shows, and spends time on the floor with customers for a breath of fresh air after working at a computer all day.
“There is no reason for us not to support other women in business...The idea is for the business to be a blessing to a community. We are all rowing the boat in the same direction!”
-Jackie Bullard
Coterie Home and Coterie Boutique value community, whether that is with their fellow girl bosses in the area or their customers. In the future, they hope to add even more members to the Coterie community and continue to fulfill the needs of women in the Bryan-College Station by generously providing a happy place for the Brazos Valley.
To get a glimpse of what Jackie and Jenny work to make possible at Coterie, head to their site here.