Dec. 16, 2022

A side job making Western-themed jewelry has evolved into a full boutique for a Sioux Falls woman.

Peyton Johnson, 22, grew up with a love of fashion and a goal of owning a business.

After she began selling her jewelry online last year, “it definitely kept me busy between a full-time job during the day and packing orders at night,” she said. “I then chose to transition more into a boutique with clothing, shoes, accessories, etc. rather than just jewelry. My business then began to grow rapidly, and I always knew I wanted to open a storefront at some point.”

She did that this month in Larchwood, Iowa, where Leave Her Wild opened with clothing, accessories and home decor.

“I chose Larchwood, Iowa, because I’ve always had a love for small towns, while still being only 20 minutes away from Sioux Falls for foot traffic,” she said. “I have a love for styling and using my creativity to piece outfits together and displaying inventory in unique ways you might not find in other boutiques.”

As a boutique shopper, she realized there “isn’t really a ‘Western boutique’ within the area,” she said.

She’s attempting to fill that niche with a variety of Western-inspired graphic tees, flared pants and jeans, jackets, jewelry including turquoise and Navajo pearls, cowhide shoes, Aztec throw blankets and Western wall art.

“I have a love for anything cowhide, fringe, leather, Aztec — just about everything I sell within my storefront,” she said.

“I figured many people would enjoy the style of products that I sell because it’s different from what you normally would see going into comparable boutiques.”

Her store seems to cater toward “punchy” younger women, including plus sizes, though women of all ages are shopping there, she said.

Long term, her hope is to transition from her full-time job as a pharmacy technician to running the business full time.

“I’ve had a lot of support so far with the storefront being open, and I can’t wait to see where it goes,” she said.

Starting in January, the store will be open every other weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and noon to 2 p.m. Sunday as well as from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays. She also offers online shopping and local pickup.

This weekend, the boutique will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.