By Maria Grzywa —
If you’ve visited the Oakwood Mall in Eau Claire, WI. lately, then you’ve probably seen a friendly face owning and operating the newest shop, Dashingly Country. Amy Styer, a 1999 University of Wisconsin–Stout graduate, opened the store in May.
Styer, who graduated with a degree in Business Administration, explains that the store is affordable and trendy. Since she loves everything country, she decided to sell country chic apparel, accessories and home décor. “I have so much fun ordering for the store,” she said.
A Menomonie native, Styer chose to attend Stout because she loved the campus, it was close to family and her mother worked at the university for 40 years.
Although she wanted to give the store a small-town, country feel, she likes to give visitors an opportunity to get continuously new styles and trends. She orders new inventory weekly and is already planning some big sales for her first Black Friday.
Since Styer’s store is not part of a chain, she is allowed the freedom to do whatever she wants. “I love being able to be different,” she said.
Styer also has flexibility with owning her own store. Her and her husband, Travis, have four children and operate a small family farm. With these responsibilities, she enjoys the freedom of being her own boss.
Being her own boss also allows her the ability to be creative in her selling. For example, Styer sells ‘remember when’ candy. “I love candy and the look of the packaging in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s,” she said.
Some of the candy she offers to her customers are Charleston Chews, Necco wafers and Big Hunk. Apparently customers love this aspect of the store. “I can’t keep them on the shelf,” said Styer.
Styer’s daughter, Monica, age 13, helps out at the store from time to time. “Monica is good at contributing ideas,” said Styer, referring to the selfie sticks the store carries because of her.