231 STUDENT SPOTLIGHT DESIGNED BY DELLA RHODES SENIOR HALLIE SMITH ALWAYS HAD a love for fashion and how it helped her express herself and connect with others. When Smith expressed her plans to start a fashion blog, her mother Michelle Smith saw the potential for a more ambitious endeavor, opening a boutique. “It wasn’t really a conversation; it was more like an order,” Hallie Smith said. The mother-daughter duo began working together on HaMi Boutique, which took off with the support of friends and family over the course of a few months. Opening in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a challenge when it came to connecting with the community, especially when starting their business online was the only option. “You’re selling your personality, your vision, your dream,” Smith said. “That’s what people are buying into.” Though they could not reach their goal of a brick-andmortar store at first, small pop-up events helped HaMi spread their vision and generate popularity. When Smith received a call about a potential location, they immediately said a prayer that it would be the perfect fit for them. It was not perfect, but the potential was there. After much preparation, the HaMi Boutique storefront opened on July 15, 2021. The store took off. Smith credited her success to her support system, including the Paul R. Carter College of Business Administration. She especially recognized her adviser and assistant professor of business administration David Kee for providing her with technical skills and encouragement. “I have witnessed her growth through a willingness to take risks and leaps of faith,” Kee said. “She’s becoming a better decision-maker.” Smith’s friends supported her throughout this process by promoting HaMi by modeling clothes for the boutique’s social media. Her roommate, senior Sarah Jon Taylor, said it was exciting to watch HaMi form. “Hallie handles being a full-time student and a business partner like no other,” Taylor said. “She has put in so many hours over this last year into her business, and she had so much fun doing it.” Smith’s biggest supporter was her mom. She said that this process kept them in constant communication as they bounced ideas off each other. Smith looked forward to the future of their partnership as she had already seen much improvement in their relationship since the start of HaMi. “I just want to make her proud and do well for the business,” Smith said. “I’m so excited to see where we will go from here.” WRITTEN BY WATKINS KELLY Senior Hallie Smith utilizes business skills and love for fashion to open a boutique. FASHIONABLE MOTHER-DAUGHTER DUO Senior Hallie Smith and her mother pose for a photo in their new boutique. They opened their storefront in July 2021. Photo courtesy of: Hallie Smith HaMi Downs
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