When Christa Davis’ mother passed away four year ago, she began thinking about what she wanted her future to look like. Having spent nearly four years in retail, she took a leap of faith and opened her own clothing boutique, Glow Clothing Co., on 131 E. College Ave. in Boiling Springs in September.
“I’ve always wanted to open my own thing,” said Davis. “When my mom passed, it made me realize life is so short, and I wanted to do something I wanted to do.”
Her idea was also sparked by a career change when she started working at Maurice’s, a company that is knowing for carrying regular and plus size clothing. She runs the business along with her sister, Autum Wood, a Realtor in South Carolina.
“We have fun,” said Wood. “It’s fun to be able to do something together. We talked about it for years, but the time wasn’t right. This time, everything fell into place.”
Born in Cleveland County, Davis grew up in Blacksburg, SC. She recalls being as a tomboy who was relatively out of touch with the fashion world until she was a junior in high school. Her sister has always been a fashionista, and her stylish lifestyle began to rub off on Davis.
“In high school, I started wanting to do makeup, and I started liking bright colored things and clothes,” said Davis.
Davis said it was important to offer a variety of sizes in her store, especially when it comes to plus size women, saying they have been left out of the fashion industry and are forced to settle for less than trendier options. Davis wants to close the gap between both sizes and give all women the opportunity to experience all that fashion has to offer.
“Regular size people have a lot to choose from,” said Davis. “I want to service all clients no matter what their size is. I wanted to make sure each item I picked was going to fit well. When we picked denim, we picked one that offered plus and regular size clothing.”
Not only does she want to carry all sizes, but Davis said it was important for her to offer trendy styles that are effortless, timeless and comfortable for the women on the go.
“I think it has always been the standard that smaller people get to dress cuter,” said Davis. “The world is starting to be more accepting of plus size people.”
In an ever-changing fashion industry, Davis said she takes pride in offering reasonable prices.
“I did realize it was harder for me to find stuff,” said Davis. “I got excited about putting jewelry and shoes with the outfits. As time went by, I could afford my own things. Plus size stuff is more expensive. I’ve tried to make things more affordable.”
Davis said her goal is to make sure every woman who comes into her store looks polished and feels their best.
“Once I started working at Maurice’s, I realized I knew that was what I wanted to do,” said Davis. “I worked there for three and a half years. As I got more into it, I was an assistant manager there, and then I decided this what I wanted to do.”
Latrice Williams can be reached at 704-669-3339 and [email protected].