ROCK SPRINGS — After seeing a lot of success selling products at local farmers’ markets, one Rock Springs resident jumped at the opportunity to receive help with opening a store front business.
Becca Smith, owner of Rebel and Roots Boutique on North Front Street, said when she heard about the Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency’s Project Pop Up she looked at it as a chance to fulfill her dream – opening her own business.
Project Pop Up is a new program that’s designed to fill empty storefronts and prospect new, long-term businesses. A Pop-Up Shop is a short-term retail store that offers new, unique, local or specialized products or services, according to a press release from the URA.
Under this program, one entrepreneur is given an opportunity to start a pop up for the holiday season with a minimal investment. Smith saw information on the program and immediately got excited.
“I read over it and though it would be a great opportunity for me,” Smith said.
She decided to apply for the program and was even more excited when she found out she had been selected.
Smith described the program as someone who holds her hand through the entire process of getting a business started. She said they helped her come up with a business and marketing plan, already had a store front location available, and helped with advertising her business.
Smith said there is so much about opening a business that adds up. From obtaining a business license and tax ID to purchasing insurance, getting WiFi and buying a credit card reader. Everything costs money and it all starts to add up.
Smith’s store offers Western and Boho style women’s clothing and accessories, including jackets, shirts, dresses, scarfs, hats and earrings. Smith is proud to offer different clothing opportunities for women. She said there aren’t that many options available for women in Sweetwater County.
Everyone’s walking around wearing the same thing.
~Becca Smith, Rebel and Roots Boutique Owner
To make sure this doesn’t happen with her clothing items, Smith only orders six of each thing. She also pays attention to what residents like. She’s new to Sweetwater County after moving here from Missouri in May and is still learning Wyoming women’s style.
Under the program, Smith has a downtown storefront for three months from October 15, 2020, through January 15, 2021. This will give her to chance to try a store front business and see if it’s successful. The idea is that a store front will have more success during the holiday season, however with the continuing COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Smith isn’t sure if she can rely on the numbers.
“You don’t really know if you’re getting true numbers,” Smith said.
Despite not knowing if the numbers are accurate, Smith is already seeing a profit. Smith said this is the most she’s ever made even while using her college degree. She has a bachelor’s degree in recreation and tourism management. She also has over 17 years of experience in the customer service industry, retail management, and program and facility management.
“I have made the decision to continue in this space,” Smith said. “I would like to give it an honest test run.”
She said the store front she is in allows for a three month lease and she’s decided to extend her lease for another three months for a total of six months. She is also looking for another business owner to partner with her for the back portion of the store. Smith said the store is just too big for what she needs and she figures it will save on costs if she can partner with someone and they split the rent.
It was a blessing to have project pop up. I don’t know if I would have had the courage to start the small business.
~Becca Smith, Rebel and Roots Boutique Owner
Project Pop up in Smith’s mind has been a success. Since she is the first one to participate in the program, she can’t wait to give the group her feedback on the program.
“Project Pop Up was and is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to start a new, small business especially if they’re not sure about the process,” Smith said.
