“I want customers to feel that Blue Gardenia Boutique is a welcoming community space where they can enjoy shopping with friends,” owner Bethany Pendleton said. “They can bump into neighbors, get styling advice and make authentic connections with our team. I want them to leave feeling happy.”
The experience that Pendleton provides at her boutique is nothing less than exceptional. From the moment customers step inside, they’re greeted with a complimentary beverage—whether it’s a refreshing soda, a glass of wine or a sparkling water. Customers quickly find themselves chatting with Pendleton and her employees, who are always eager to make everyone feel at home. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere leads to customers sitting on the couch, laughing and trying on outfits for one another.
“My mantra in the store is ‘If we’re not having fun, we’re doing it wrong,’” Pendleton said.
Pendleton’s passion for creating meaningful customer experiences extends to her loyalty program.
“I’m really proud of my loyalty program. When you shop with us, you earn rewards points that translate into store credit,” Pendleton said. “I also send clients a $25 store credit for their birthday. That’s been very well received. Women come in, and they’re excited. They can pay nothing and walk out with a piece of jewelry.”
Blue Gardenia Boutique serves as a platform for supporting local businesses and schools. It features five local product lines, four of which are from Southwest Austin-based, family-owned companies. The boutique also regularly hosts spirit shopping days, donating a portion of sales to local schools, and sponsors Bowie High School’s Silver Stars dance team and Gorzycki Middle School.
“Before I opened the boutique, my goal and purpose was to focus on community schools. I’ve always volunteered at my kids’ schools. I always want to give back,” Pendleton said.
Her entrepreneurial spirit and desire to make a difference was modeled after friends who pursued their own dreams.
“I look around and think, ‘I can’t believe I did this,’” Pendleton said when speaking about her boutique’s success. “Then I remember all of the friends of mine who have started their own businesses over the last 20 years. There are at least 50 of them. Whether they started a small business that took off, or it didn’t work out, I saw their bravery, their commitment and their energy. I saw their entrepreneurial spirit and the risks they took. I thought, ‘I’m gonna go for it.’”
Looking ahead, Pendleton plans to expand the boutique’s locally sourced products, strengthen community ties through school sponsorships and events, and continue transforming the boutique into a space where people feel deeply connected.
To experience the magic of this boutique firsthand, Pendleton invites you to attend one of its monthly events—a true celebration of connection, local talent and fun. The gatherings range from morning coffee meetups to evening girls’ nights out, ensuring women in all walks of life can participate. Each event features a partnership with a local woman-owned business, offering guests a chance to discover and support other entrepreneurs. Whether you’re meeting friends, making new ones or just looking for a memorable outing, these events promise an atmosphere of joy and inspiration you won’t want to miss. Stay up-to-date on event details by following the boutique on Instagram and Facebook.
Visit Blue Gardenia Boutique today at 5701 W. Slaughter Lane, Ste. A-150.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Sydney Heller with Community Impact’s Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their “sponsored content” purchase through our advertising team.