Popping Up Near You

There’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.” 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 many shoppers who have become my friends over the years. What a joy itis to see people out and about and on Facebook with my clothing on. Iwant everyone to feel confident in what they wear.”

The personability she brings to her clients and their experiences create that all important customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“My most dreaded question is always, ‘how does this look on me?’ GIRL! If you have to ask then don’t buy it. I want to make a sale, but if you don’t LOVE it, then it is not for you.”

Just like the cornerstone of any business, hard work and determination are a huge part of Sara Jo’s philosophy, and she credits that to the majority of her success.

“I am a hustler, a go-getter, and I love everything about my business! It consumes SO MUCH OF MY TIME. I am self taught and a self promoter. I have been able to hire several locals for part time work during my busy season. Everyone tells me you make it look so easy. I can assure you that I am just a duck on the pond (smooth on the surface but fighting/working/hustling under the water just to stay afloat).” Who knew looking for a part time supplemental income opportunity would yield as much success as Sara Jo has found? Finding something she loves, turned into more than a hobby, and exceeded her wildest dreams.

“I am now eight years in and it is FULL time. I am online at www.hauteandgaudy.com and both brick AND mobile. I pull a 20 foot “boutique on wheels” trailer. I do shows on the weekends, travelling all OVER Texas, and Oklahoma. I do Pop Up Parking Lot Parties during the week—anywhere that women work, I will go. I have been into schools, hair salons, corporations, real estate offices, hospitals, restaurants, plastic surgeon centers, and jewelry stores to name a few. I give back a portion of my proceeds so that they can be FUNdraisers. So EASY and lots of FUN! My goal is to always love what I do. To keep buying and selling FUN trendy wholesome clothing at affordable prices. Boutiques are a dime a dozen but my boutique is unique because of my personal energy and attitude. I am thorough and organized and I like to make things happen. I thank The Lord for allowing me to live a life that I LOVE!!!!”