AUBURN, Ky. (WBKO) – What began as a childhood love of shopping has blossomed into a thriving small business for Mindy McGill, owner of Livvy Mae Boutique in Auburn.
“I’ve always loved shopping, even as a small girl,” McGill said. “My boutique is actually named after my grandmother, who I used to shop with as a child.”
McGill first launched Livvy Mae Boutique as an online shop in 2019 before transitioning to a brick-and-mortar store in 2020 in Russellville, later relocating to Auburn in 2021. She described the move as a “leap of faith,” given the financial and operational challenges associated with running a physical retail space.
“Overhead’s a lot higher. We have to have employees, set hours, fixtures and mannequins,” she said. “Thankfully, the community has come out to support us.”
A cornerstone of McGill’s business philosophy is giving back to the community. Livvy Mae Boutique has supported numerous local causes, from donating supplies to nursing homes and schools to partnering with Auburn Elementary’s PTO and hosting fundraisers for the fire department and foster programs.
“We see people out working hard in the community, and we like to give back to those that are less fortunate,” McGill said. “It’s always important to give back to those when you can and support your local community that’s pouring into you as well.”
McGill said her personal experiences have also inspired her philanthropy. After losing her brother to suicide in 2021, she began supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention by launching a fall campaign featuring graphic t-shirts with messages like “Tomorrow Needs You.” Proceeds benefit mental health initiatives, and McGill participates in the annual Out of the Darkness Walk in Bowling Green to honor her brother’s memory.
“My first walk was in 2022, and it’s a way to remember my brother and support others struggling with mental health,” she said.
Livvy Mae Boutique also emphasizes collaboration with other small businesses. McGill sources products like freeze-dried candy from J&M Farms in Lewisburg and hand-stitched apparel from a Paducah-based company.
“As a small business, you know what others are going through, so it’s really important to support the local businesses around you,” she said.
Despite challenges such as weather-related closures and economic uncertainties, McGill remains committed to providing a wide range of affordable items for her customers.
“We try to carry a broad range of price points so that we have an item for everyone to choose from,” she said.
Livvy Mae Boutique is located at 150 Sugar Maple Drive in Auburn and offers nationwide shipping through its website.
McGill’s dedication to her community and resilience in the face of adversity reflect the heart of small business ownership.
“Small business really is the backbone of the community,” she said. “We’re here, giving back, and doing everything we can to make our dream come true.”
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