Five years of growth and gratitude: The story of Oliver Beene Designs

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO - Lora and Rhonda Braudis, owners of Oliver Beene Designs.
As we prepare to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Oliver Beene Designs, it feels surreal to reflect on the journey we have traveled since opening our boutique in 2020. When we first unlocked the doors to our humble 1,000-square-foot space, we dared to dream big, but we could never have imagined the overwhelming outpouring of love and support we would receive from our community and beyond. Today, we stand proud, operating an expansive 8,000-square-foot shopping space that has become a cherished destination for shoppers across the state of Iowa.
This milestone is not just about us; it is about the people who have walked alongside us, cheering us on every step of the way. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank our community, our customers, and every individual who has believed in us and supported our vision.
When we first envisioned Oliver Beene Designs, we were fueled by a passion for fashion, creativity, and the desire to offer something unique to Marshall County. Our initial space was small but brimming with possibilities. It was a leap of faith — one taken with equal parts excitement and trepidation. Would people come? Would they embrace our offerings? Could our boutique thrive in a competitive retail city?
From day one, the answer was a resounding yes. Our community showed up for us–not just as customers but as champions of a dream. They spread the word, brought friends, and supported us with their heartfelt encouragement.
The story of Oliver Beene Designs is one of survivability and growth, made possible by unwavering community support. As small business owners, we’ve come to understand that a business cannot thrive in isolation. The foundation of any successful enterprise lies in the relationships it builds with its community.
No business journey is without its hurdles, and ours was no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic hit just months after we opened our doors, forcing us to adapt quickly to a rapidly changing retail environment. Pivoting to online sales, implementing safety measures, and maintaining the personal touch that defines our brand required resilience and innovation. Throughout it all, our community’s loyalty never wavered. Customers placed online orders, participated in shopping events, and continued to choose Oliver Beene Designs as their go-to boutique. This solidarity not only helped us survive but also strengthened our commitment to serving the people who had shown us so much kindness.
Five years later, our boutique has transformed from a small, intimate space into an 8,000-square-foot haven for shoppers. This growth has been fueled by listening to our customers, adapting to their needs, and continuously curating an inventory that excites and delights. Expanding our boutique allowed us to introduce new offerings, and provide a more immersive shopping experience. It also enabled us to give back to the community that has given us so much. Through partnerships with local organizations, charitable initiatives, and hosting special events, we strive to make a positive impact in Marshall County and beyond.
As we reflect on these five years, we are filled with gratitude for the shoppers who have traveled from all corners of Iowa to visit Oliver Beene Designs. You have made our boutique more than just a business; you have made it a community hub, a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed, and memories are made. To every customer who has walked through our doors, browsed our shelves, or shared our story with others: thank you. Your support has been the cornerstone of our success. You have given life to our dream and made it flourish in ways we could never have imagined.
While these five years have been extraordinary, we know this is just the beginning. The lessons we’ve learned, the relationships we’ve built, and the inspiration we’ve drawn from our community will guide us as we continue to grow. Our vision is to keep innovating, expanding, and finding new ways to serve our customers and our community.
To mark this milestone, we invite you to celebrate with us. Our upcoming anniversary events will feature special promotions, exclusive products, and opportunities to connect with our community of shoppers and supporters. This celebration is as much about you as it is about us. In closing, we want to express one final, heartfelt thank you. Thank you for believing in us, for supporting a small, female-owned boutique, and for making Oliver Beene Designs a part of your lives. Your support has been the wind beneath our wings, and we are forever grateful. Here’s to the next chapter of our journey together!
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Lora and Rhonda Braudis are the owners
of Oliver Beene Designs in downtown Marshalltown.
Rhonda Braudis also serves as the director of the Marshall County 911 Communications Center.