Iolans gathered at See, Hear Iola on Friday to learn more about community businesses and programs.
Kelly Sigg, Audacious Boutique owner, was the commercial speaker. She told the crowd how her business was started. Sigg toyed with the idea of opening a shop in Iola in 2010. The shop originally opened in a small space where Around the Corner Coffee Shop is currently located.
“We carry a little bit of everything,” Sigg said. “New arrivals come in every day.”
Social media has been a big help in Sigg’s business. Employees model clothing once a week and post it on the store’s Facebook page, Instagram and email list. In March, Audacious launched its website www.shopaudacious.com. Customers can view the clothing and accessories and have it reserved or purchase it online.
“Customer service is our main priority,” Sigg said.
Sigg said the community is lucky that U.S. Highway 54 runs through Iola. Many of her customers drive through town and stop to shop. On Saturdays, out-of-town shoppers make a beeline to the little boutique.
“We carry a lot of brands they do in the city, but it’s priced at lower,” Sigg said.
Guest speaker, Georgia Masterson, explained how the Circles program works. Iola is one of nine Circle sites in the state and there are pending sites in Chanute, Pittsburg and Ottawa. Masterson said Circles works to help end poverty in communities one family at a time.
“The best way to understand poverty is to know a poor person,” Masterson said. “Once you get to know them and understand why they are in poverty you can have a better understanding.”
Community members are paired with Circles members as Allies to help encourage the Circles members.
Circles will start its third class in August.
The next See, Hear Iola meeting will be at 10 a.m. July 25 at Bass Community Hall.
Local business thrives
