When Stephanie Robinson bought Etc. Boutique and Beauty Salon six years ago, she took a leap of faith that the business would continue to be a success.
In 2005, Robinson’s accounting job had played out during downsizing at Kellwood Co., where she had worked for 34 years, and she wasn’t sure what her next step would be.
Etc. Boutique owner, the late Almatine Nichols, had become sick, and the timing was right for Robinson to make a business change. She renamed it Steppin’ Out Boutique and Beauty Shop, and the specialty shop continues to be an integral part of the business landscape in McComb.
Robinson said she passed by the property at 429 Warren St. every day on her way to her family-owned business, Nobles Cleaners.
“I told (Mrs. Nichols) all about this building when she had her store in her home,” Robinson said. “I passed this building all the time and told her it would be a perfect location for her store. Of course, I didn’t know that years later I would be the one who owned it.”
Running a women’s boutique and working in a corporate accounting office were at opposite ends of the business world.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but I knew I had always wanted to own my own dress shop,” she said. “Basically, I do the same thing that Mrs. Almatine had in the store. I didn’t change very many of the vendors that she used, but I did put shoes in.”
Steppin’ Out Boutique stocks familiar suits and dresses by Lily & Taylor and Donna Vinci. And now she sells J. Renee shoes.
Nichols specialized in larger-size clothing. Robinson hasn’t changed that focus, only expanded it. She carries clothes in sizes 2 to 34.
Robinson’s business slogan is “Dressing you from head to toe.” Women can come in and walk out with a completely coordinated look — shoes, suit, purse, hat, stockings by Berkshire Hosiery and jewelry accessories.
A big business adjustment for Robinson was learning to work solo.
“I always worked with lots of people, and I always had a boss,” she said. “But during my off times, I have more hats. I do a lot of bookwork for my brother (E.C. Nobles) at the cleaners.”
And she makes time for church work for Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
“I do the church bulletins, so I have to squeeze that in. I’m president of the choir and the women’s mission. ... In fact, a lot of mission work goes on in Steppin’ Out Boutique,” she said.
Business was slow during the summer, but since cooler weather and the holiday season have arrived, things have picked up.
Robinson continues to find ways to reach out to customers. She enjoys offering embellished hats that are popular with women in African-American churches. And she’s added casual items, along with dressy denim and jogging suits.
Gift items at Steppin’ Out aren’t limited to clothing. The shop also carries shawls, scarves and handkerchiefs.
This year, feathers have taken a front seat among accessories. Fascinators — feathered head gear, mostly clips — are popular, as are halo rings and head bands.
Steppin’ Out is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Robinson leases beauty salon space to Betty Ramsey, a hair stylist who also worked with Almatine. The two build on each other’s business.
“A lot of times when the bride comes in for wedding rentals, Mommy needs a dress. I specialize in that, not formals, but really nice suits,” she said.
She’s also branched out by offering wedding equipment rentals, thanks to stock she bought from Thomas Fashions.
“I’m very personable with customers when they come in. I do a lot of fellowship with them before they shop. That’s what I like about the boutique business. You know your customer when they come in.”
Robinson said Steppin’ Out fills a specialty niche in the community.
“If you’re looking for something affordable and nice, you need to stop at Steppin’ Out,” she said.+
