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here’s an old adage, adopted from the title of a 1940 Thomas Wolfe novel, that states, “You can never go home again.” Sara Jo Poynter proved that is not necessarily the case. After being gone for 27 years, in 2017, she returned to her roots, and with her she brought a boutique unlike others. After government shut downs caused her to lose her job, Sara Jo was looking for something part time to help supplement income. “My kids were young; I had energy, and I wanted to make some money, but I never wanted to miss anything that my kids did.” In September 2013, a visit to her sister’s hair salon in Rockwall for a scheduled appointment revealed the opportunity she was searching for. “She showed me a dress that she had bought in Canton the weekend prior, and it had on it a tag for $67. I remember telling her, ‘I am going to sell clothes. If people are willing to drive to Canton, then why wouldn’t they shop local AND get a better price?’ I left her shop with $300 cash, stopped in Dallas at market on the way home, and sold every single piece in less than 24 hours to my friends. I rolled that money into purchasing more and more.” 10 Our Hometowns | Volume 2 Issue 3
In that moment, Sara Jo’s Haute and Gaudy was born. Taking her vibrant personality and love for people, Sara Jo has built her own niche in the boutique arena. Haute and Gaudy is a boutique with flare and far from ‘plain and simple’ just like Sara Jo. “I have always LOVED to dress a little wild and vibrant colors make me happy! If you are more of a plain and simple person then I am most likely not the boutique for you.” Being accessible and malleable has created an unexpected success not only in a professional setting but also with her family. “I love to travel and not be in one spot too long. I lease space from stores so that I can order, display and promote but not be tied to a certain amount of hours in one place every single day. I am able to schedule my shows/pop ups around what my family is doing. I love people so this gives me a little bit of time with
