Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Modglin.
Hi Holly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that fear never really goes away—you just have to decide that your dreams are bigger than your fear.
I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. Ever since I was young, I loved creating, building, and finding ways to turn ideas into something meaningful. Over the years, I’ve owned online boutiques, brick-and-mortar stores, and explored different business ventures. Every success and every setback taught me something that eventually led me to Plush Peony.
But the truth is, opening Plush Peony wasn’t just about starting another business. It was about betting on myself. Like many entrepreneurs, I questioned whether I was making the right decision. I worried about the financial risk, whether people would support my vision, and whether I was capable of building something truly special. There were plenty of moments where playing it safe would have been easier.
What gave me the courage to keep going were my three children. They are my “why.” I want them to grow up believing they don’t have to settle for a life that doesn’t excite them. I want them to see that dreams require hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and sometimes taking a leap before you know exactly how things will turn out. They have watched me celebrate wins, work through disappointments, solve problems, and keep showing up. Those are lessons I hope stay with them long after they’re grown.
When I opened Plush Peony in Waterloo, I wanted to create more than a boutique. I wanted to create an experience. A place where people could celebrate milestones, create a custom perfume that’s uniquely theirs, find the perfect gift, or simply feel welcomed the moment they walked through the door. Building relationships with my customers and becoming part of our community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Looking back, I’m grateful I chose courage over comfort. The road hasn’t been perfect, but every challenge has made me a stronger business owner and a stronger person. Plush Peony is proof that incredible things can happen when you stop waiting for the “perfect” time and simply believe enough in yourself to begin.
If my journey inspires even one person to take that first step toward a dream they’ve been afraid to pursue, then every obstacle along the way has been worth it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest obstacle I’ve faced has been overcoming the fear of betting on myself. Starting a business comes with uncertainty, financial risk, and plenty of self-doubt, but I’ve learned that growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
As a mom of three, balancing family life with entrepreneurship has also been one of my greatest challenges and my greatest motivation. Every obstacle, from learning how to run every aspect of a business to navigating the ups and downs of small business ownership, has made me more resilient.
Looking back, I’m grateful for every challenge because each one pushed me to grow, adapt, and become a stronger business owner. They’ve taught me that success isn’t about avoiding obstacles it’s about refusing to let them stop you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Plush Peony is more than a boutique, it’s an experience. From the very beginning, my vision was to create a place where people could shop, celebrate, and make lasting memories. We offer carefully curated women’s fashion, gifts, accessories, permanent jewelry, and our signature custom perfume bar, where guests can create a fragrance that’s completely unique to them.
What truly sets us apart is our focus on connection. Whether someone is stopping in for a new outfit, celebrating a milestone with permanent jewelry, or hosting a private perfume party, I want every customer to feel welcomed, inspired, and valued. I believe shopping should be personal, fun, and something people remember long after they leave.
One of the things I’m most proud of is introducing experiences that aren’t commonly found in small-town boutiques. Seeing customers create signature scents, celebrate birthdays, bridal showers, or girls’ nights, and make memories together has been incredibly rewarding. Those moments have become the heart of Plush Peony.
I’m also proud that Plush Peony has become a place that supports our community. As a local mom and small business owner, I understand how important it is to invest in the people around us. Whether it’s collaborating with other local businesses, supporting young entrepreneurs, or simply creating a welcoming space for everyone who walks through our doors, that’s what our brand is all about.
At the end of the day, I don’t just want people to remember what they bought at Plush Peony. I want them to remember how they felt while they were here. If they leave feeling more confident, celebrated, or inspired than when they walked in, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Success isn’t about having the perfect plan; it’s about having the courage to begin. Plush Peony is proof that when you lead with passion, authenticity, and heart, amazing things can grow.
Pricing:
- Custom perfumes $25-$60
- Permanent Jewelry $50-$150
- Boutique clothing and accessories $10-75
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theplushpeony.myshopify.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/theplushpeony
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DFPTscPcL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
