By Deb Peterson | Photographed by Kim Singer
A year ago, Molly Clark’s shiny silver Airstream, home to grey dog vintage boutique, sat alone on the corner of Trenton and College in Fayetteville.
It was the realization of Molly’s dream to give new life to stylish fashions from the 40s and 50s. With the help of seamstress Stephanie Baker in Rogers, who shortens hemlines and makes other modern adjustments, Molly created a unique source of vintage style popular with college girls from nearby University of Arkansas and with women from across the state.
In the process, she attracted the attention of other Airstream lovers.
Today, the sun gleams off four Airstream shops—grey dog, Wheels Grill, Silver Stream Café, and Out on a Whim, filled with vintage home décor. On occasion, a traveling fifth joins them.
“[The new shops] brought me a whole different market,” Molly says. “Four months after I opened, Angel asked if I wanted a neighbor.”
Angel Clower had been working on a business plan and looking for an Airstream when she found Molly.
“I didn’t want another corporate job,” Angel says. “I’m living a new life, creating a new dream.”
Angel’s Silver Stream Café serves yummy organic foods like Japanese yams and shitake mushroom soup.
Kim Singer, our photographer, tried the soup.
“Oh!” she said, “it’s delicious!”
If that’s not your cup of tea, step over to Will Glover’s Wheel’s Grill for some authentic tacos. Will made ceviche in his Airstream in Austin, Texas, but wasn’t sure it would go over here in Arkansas.
“I was visiting Fayetteville in October,” Will says. “I saw Molly’s Airstream and stopped to talk with her.”
A month later, he had moved his Airstream to her lot.
“It’s been wonderful,” he says. “We get lots of traffic from the neighborhood.”
Janet Selby of Innovative Business Furniture in Fayetteville had been thinking about opening a small vintage furniture shop for a while and had talked with Molly about her Airstream boutique. When Janet saw the cafés open on Molly’s lot, she knew it was time.
“I have a knack for finding bargains, and I wanted to be able to pass on those bargains,” Janet says. “The only way to do that is to keep the overhead low. You won’t find a better way to start a small business than this. Your entire investment can more than likely be paid off within the first year. You could never do that in a brick and mortar situation.”
Janet is so excited about the unique opportunity Out on a Whim has given her that she encourages other women to “jump in head first!”
“I have a couple of businesses, and although sometimes I can hardly keep up with myself, it is all very rewarding to know that I did this from concept to completion,” she says. “Don’t be afraid and don’t be your biggest obstacle. Not every idea is a complete success, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t. Keep trying. Make sure your ideas are solid and appeal to the masses. Try to avoid luxury products or services until the economy can handle those. Having said all that, step out there.”
Janet recently encouraged a friend to take a chance with an investment of just $500.
“She is excited, motivated, and a little scared. Those are the exact emotions she should have to make this successful,” Janet says. “I think I am motivated a little by fear and a whole lot of passion.”
Molly’s own passion has made her grey dog business so successful she took the month of January to explore some new options herself.
“The biggest vintage markets are in Nashville and New Orleans,” she says.
Molly visited both cities to discuss the possibility of opening a second grey dog boutique. She also has sketches for an actual building.
“I have so much inventory I can’t show because of a lack of space,” Molly says.
She changes 15-20 pieces every day to keep her shop looking new.
“But before I put down roots,” something we’ve heard her say before, “I want to explore the best markets while I’m still on wheels.”
Molly will participate in the NWA Fashion Week featured on page 11. You can find the original story about grey dog vintage boutique at marvmag.com.
M! Feb/Mar 2012
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