Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Gault and Erica Rector.
Hi Kristen and Erica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Becoming friends in high school, marrying rodeo cowboys, having babies, and battling a cancer diagnosis, our friendship has been one full of laughs and tears. In the fall of 2017, I (Kristen) was diagnosed with breast cancer and didn’t know what the future would hold as it was very aggressive and the tumor was large. God healed my body and prepared me for a future with tons of blessings. Each Friday in the chemo chair, Erica would accompany me, keeping me laughing and bringing tokens of love -magazines, earrings, books, shoes, purses, donuts, and more to take my mind off of the poison going into my body. We began talking about starting a small traveling boutique, as we both love all things fashion and in May of 2018, we set up shop as their dream became true. Buying a box trailer, completely outfitting it as a showroom, we hit the road for four years popping up at festivals, yards, churches, and many other venues that asked us to be a part of small business events. We met the most precious people who have become the dearest of friends. Nothing brings more happiness than to hear the words from a lady’s mouth- “you made me feel beautiful again”. 💓💓💓
And that’s what Swanky Steer began! Our following grew like crazy and an opportunity for a storefront fell into our laps this past winter. So here we are-on the map!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
God truly laid this plan at our feet. After 16 rounds of intense chemo, losing fingernails and toenails, a bilateral mastectomy, 33 rounds of radiation, and 6 months of oral chemo, my body was tired. But that didn’t that stop me. Having something to keep my mind busy during such a dark valley truly was a blessing. Our very first show was in an arena where we set up a store for contestants and the public to shop while at a local rodeo. From there we traveled to events, hauling clothes and accessories in our vehicles which became super exhausting. That’s when a trailer was a must and made the Swanky Steer journey much easier. Over the course of four years, our business kept growing. Online sales boomed and porch pickups were truly overflowing. We knew that a change had to happen as our business was growing but full-time jobs were also our focus as well.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I teach second grade at a local elementary school and love every second of it! 20 years in the classroom has been such a joy and I will continue this career as long as I can. Erica is a Farm Bureau insurance agent and enjoys helping others navigate insurance needs and preparing for the future.
Our goal each day is to shine God‘s light, loving on others. We do that daily in our full-time jobs but also within Swanky Steer.
Helping women to know their worth, outfitting them to feel beautiful-that’s what we do best.
Combing southern grace with southwest grit, our store outfits women from 12-100.
What’s next?
On March 19th, we will be on the map at 119 North Main Street, Fountain Inn. Being a part of the this community is so exciting and we look forward to being a part of one of the best small towns in the USA.
Contact Info:
- Email: Theswankysteer@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/swankysteer
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Swanky-Steer-229439134455388/
