Women Who Work - Sweet Southern Floral & Boutique

When we first moved to La Vernia, I knew I needed to meet people, but also wanted to do something to help the community. This led me to do a few different things:

1. Use my skill to give back

2. Create a Passion Project

3. Take Action

So, I grabbed my camera, got in the jeep, and did the scariest thing I could think of - go up to women I had no connection to and ask if I could photograph them to celebrate the change they are making in the world. I started with local businesses, and one of these businesses was Sweet Southern Soul Boutique.

Jenna Heubaum has everything you need to gift anyone on your list. I was blown away by her ability to curate a collection of items that could fill the needs of your family and friends. I have to say my favorite thing was her small batch embroidery. She can help you have personalized onesies, blankets, jackets, and even leather purses with monograms.

Well, just a few months after the Holiday season, Jenna took a huge leap in her business and added on a much need floral business, so now Jenna is bringing beauty and happiness through not just personalized gifts, but also, beautiful and creative arrangements with Sweet Southern Soul Boutique & Florals.

The Interview: Jenna Heubaum and LeAnn Rodgers

What makes your business unique or different?

Jenna: I think the fact that we truly listen to customer's needs and stories and strive so hard to put things into all of our orders, whether it's a floral arrangement, custom embroidery, or even just helping pick out an outfit that we know makes them feel special.

LeAnn: We provide whimsical arrangements with a southern twist. We love to use unique and reusable containers as well. Also, strive to meet every budget as creatively as we can.

What is your business known for?

J: Our ability to bring custom visions to life through any of our services.

L: Customer service and creativity.

What is your favorite product or service you offer?

J: It's too hard to choose, I truly enjoy it all!

L: I love working on "designer's choice" arrangements, which allows us to pick from the best of what we have in stock and get to truly surprise the recipients

What is your greatest strength?

J: My greatest strength is my willingness to work hard, and ability to make sure customers are put first, and receive the best customer service. My creative mind, also is a great strength and it allows me to give each customer their own special and unique customized products.

L: My background is in art and design, which has made me very detail oriented and creative. I love using my creativity to create something unique and beautiful for each client.

What would you tell someone who wants to be where you are?

J: I would say it is going to take ALOT of hard work and willingness to sacrifice time, but that owning your own small business can be totally worth it if you are willing to put in the work. There will be slow times, but learning to bend, stick with it, stay in your own land, and understanding that not everyone's success story is going to look the same. You have to learn what works for you.

L: Never stop dreaming, and then be willing to put in the effort to make that dream become reality.

What is your favorite quote?

J: This is the quote I actually chose when I graduated high school (oh too many years ago), but Ralph Waldo Emerson's - "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." This has been my life without me even realizing it. I am not one to "follow" the norms, I love originality and creativity and bringing something unique and different to the table.

L: It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.

What is something most people DON'T know about your business that you would like them to know?

J: We love to use antique or rustic/farmhouse pieces, and to repurpose. We will go picking sometimes and have one of a kind containers that we love use for our arrangements, rather than your average vase. And we strive to pick containers that you are able to repurpose after for home decor or potting your own plants, etc.

L: Our location! Come and visit us today and see all that we have to offer! Plants, arrangements, balloons, giftables and floral design! We have also started some classes for kids and adults.

Are you looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list? I highly recommend checking out Sweet Southern Soul Boutique and Floral. This adorable shop is located at 12826 US Hwy 87, Suite 4 in La Vernia, TX. You can also support Jenna by shopping online at Sweet Southern Soul (sweetsouthernsoullv.com), and following her on social media