Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella Starbeck.
Hi Isabella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I was 15 years old, I walked into a little boutique in a nearby town. I instantly fell in love with it. I loved the clothes, the atmosphere, and shopping at boutiques. More than anything, I loved the thought of owning my own store one day. The idea of getting to “play dress up” all day while creating a space that was completely my own felt like a dream. That dream stayed with me through high school. Even though I convinced myself that opening a boutique right out of high school was unrealistic. During my senior year, some very difficult things happened in my life. I felt lost, and I didn’t know how to move forward. I knew I needed a fresh start, so I decided to move to Georgia to live with my aunt and start college. My plan was to study business and figure the rest out along the way. But just two days into college, I had the strongest uneasy feeling that I couldn’t shake. Something didn’t feel right, and deep down, I felt like this wasn’t where God wanted me. The thought of opening a boutique never left my mind, though. I started calling everyone I knew for advice. Should I stay? Should I transfer to a college closer to home? Should I go back and start the boutique I had always dreamed about? That night, I sat down and prayed, asking God for some sign or guidance. Later that night, I got a call from some family members. They told me that if opening a boutique was truly what I wanted to do, they would support me and help make it happen. Although I would miss my family in Georgia and think about what could’ve been if I had stayed. I decided to come home. So that night, two days after starting school, I packed my car up and made the nine-hour drive back home to follow what I felt God was calling me to do. Within the next week, I filed for my LLC and business license. In December 2024, I moved to Hermann, Missouri, where my boutique is now located. In April of 2025, I signed the lease on my building. On July 3rd, 2025, Dogwood Clothing Company opened its doors. A one-year turn around. Looking back, it still feels so surreal. It might seem crazy to some people that a 19-year-old would start a business. Sometimes I think it sounds crazy, too. Actually, a lot of the time. But when God has a calling on your life, there’s no shaking it. This journey has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If I’m telling the truth, it’s never really about the clothes. It’s about the people who walk through those doors. The conversations, the connections, the memories, and the stories people share. One of the most meaningful parts of my boutique is the Prayer Wall, which is a painted Dogwood tree inside my shop. Customers write down anything they need prayer for and place it on the wall. Before I open my shop or sometimes right after they’re written, I take time to pray over them. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of this place. It gives people hope, encouragement, faith, and a reminder that they’re not alone. I never imagined I would get to live out this dream one day. But now I get to share my testimony with every person who walks through those doors about how Jesus Christ completely changed my life. From my far-from-perfect childhood to seeing the blessings in front of me today, I know that none of this happened by accident. God had a plan all along. And Dogwood Clothing Company is a part of that story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to where I am today hasn’t always been easy. Growing up, my parents struggled a lot, but that is their story to tell, not mine. What I will say is that because of those struggles, I was put into some very tough situations throughout my childhood and teen years. I experienced firsthand what addiction can do to someone and how deeply it can affect a family. Even today, I am still on a journey of forgiveness and understanding. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized something important: this is my parents’ first time living too. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone is trying to figure life out the best they can. I knew pretty early on that I wanted something different for my life. I wanted better. Looking back now, I know that without Jesus in my life and without the incredible people who love me and stood by me during the hardest moments, it wouldn’t have been nearly as easy to be where I am today. Their support and God’s grace carried me through so many tough moments. When it comes to opening my business, it’s funny because I don’t remember every single obstacle along the way. Everything happened so quickly and seems so minor now. I know there were bumps in the road, figuring out where the boutique would be located, how I was going to get a loan, and all the logistics that come with starting a business. But the biggest struggle I faced wasn’t actually those things. It was the battle in my own mind. I kept thinking. How am I supposed to own a business at 19 years old? I barely even understand how taxes work. What are people going to think? Will they think I’m crazy? Will they think I have no idea what I’m doing? Will they even like the clothes I choose? Will they judge me for putting my faith into my business? Those thoughts raced through my mind constantly. And honestly, they didn’t just disappear once the boutique opened. I’m still learning every day that seeking validation from other people does not define who I am. What defines me is who God says I am. Learning to recognize the strength it took to overcome the difficult cards I was dealt in life. Learning to recognize the work, faith, and courage it took to open my business. I’m starting to learn that this journey is something to be proud of instead of something to be embarrassed about.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dogwood Clothing Company?
Dogwood Clothing Company is a boutique located in Hermann, Missouri, that I started when I was 19 years old. Dogwood specializes in women’s clothing and accessories, offering a variety of dresses, blouses, shoes, jewelry, and more. My goal when buying pieces for the shop is to find items that make women feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful in what they wear. One thing that makes my boutique unique is the way the store is designed. I’ve always loved creativity and wanted the space to feel different from a typical retail store. Instead of standard clothing racks, many of my pieces are displayed on vintage items like chairs mounted on the walls, old ladders, and antique doors. Each display was chosen intentionally to give the shop character and create an experience that feels welcoming and memorable. My heart for this boutique has always been about more than just clothing. I want every person who visits Dogwood to feel at peace when they walk in. I want them to feel welcomed, comfortable, and confident in the clothes they try on and the person they are. To me, this boutique is about community, faith, and creating a space where people feel seen and cared for.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Right now they can find me on social media or in store! I am on Facebook and Instagram. I am actively working on a website as we speak!
Pricing:
- Clothing can range anywhere from $20 to $80
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodclothingcompany?igsh=MWZpOGIzOGtlN3lrZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CA5Z5jUfX/?mibextid=wwXIfr
