10/26/2026
An honest, raw, and vulnerable post from a small business owner...
We need a little help from our community right now. ❤️
Between the recent hurricane scare and still not having signage on our building, October has been an incredibly difficult month for Belle of Baldwin Boutique.
What many people may not realize is that Belle of Baldwin is more than just one small business. We're home to 13 other locally owned businesses, plus my own.
Behind each of those businesses are real people and real families. Families who depend on their sales to pay bills, put groceries on the table, and pay for their kids' activities.
And then there's me. As a new business owner, I haven't been able to pay myself yet. Every dollar my business makes goes right back into keeping these doors open. And lately, even that has been a struggle.
I'm not sharing this for sympathy. I'm sharing it because I believe in being transparent, and because we genuinely need our community's support.
I hear all the time how much Robertsdale needs a store like ours. How wonderful it is to have somewhere local to shop for formalwear, boutique clothing, gifts, and handmade items. And I am so thankful for every person who has encouraged us and cheered us on.
But the difficult truth is that kind words and encouragement alone can't keep the doors open. We need customers walking through them.
At the rate we're going, I have to be realistic about how sustainable this business can be.
That's a hard thing to say out loud, especially when I've poured so much time, money, energy, and heart into creating something I truly believe this community needs.
So I'm asking for your help.
Please share our posts. Comment on them. Tell your friends about us. Bring someone who has never visited.
And most importantly, come shop with us.
Come look for your Mardi Gras or prom dress. Pick up a birthday or Christmas gift. Treat yourself to a new piece of jewelry or a cute outfit. Support one of our amazing local vendors.
Or simply come through our doors and see what we've worked so hard to build.
I know times are tough for a lot of families, and I certainly don't expect anyone to spend money they don't have. But if you're already planning to make a purchase, I hope you'll consider shopping local first.
Small businesses don't survive simply because a community wants them to exist. They survive because a community chooses to support them.
I love Robertsdale. I believe in this town, these vendors, and what we're building at Belle of Baldwin.
I just need a little help making sure we're able to keep building it.
Thank you to everyone who has shopped, shared, encouraged, and supported us so far. It means more than you know. ❤️
Belle of Baldwin Boutique
22545 Hwy 59 N
Robertsdale, AL 36567
