GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – In honor of Women’s History Month, WZMQ 19 is shining a spotlight on local female business owners.
“I always had a passion for used clothing,” said Courtney Isetts. “I kind of got into thrifting with my grandma. Sometimes things wouldn’t be in my size, but I’d still want somebody to get that really good deal, so I started selling locally online.”
Although she found some success from it on the side, thrifting was not Isetts’ original career plan.
“In 2020, I lost my job due to COVID,” she said. “I had to figure out what to do from there, and I was already selling clothes part-time. so I decided to just open up a business and see how it would take.”
Isetts opened Happy Rock Boutique in a small Gladstone storefront, upgrading to its current building at 820 Delta Avenue two years later.
“You can find anything from clothing, accessories, purses, jewelry, home decor, glassware, all that kind of stuff,” said Isetts.
Happy Rock Boutique sells new and gently-used clothing purchased from the community. Isetts says thrifting has allowed her to curate a wide selection of styles.
“There are some higher-end brands that you couldn’t get in Gladstone or Escanaba that we like to bring here so you can shop directly,” she said.
She says customers can also find a range of sizes.
“We really wanted to be able to offer up to size 3X, and we do have denim in size 00 to 20,” said Isetts. “We want everybody to feel like they’re included here and can find something.”
Isetts says besides helping shoppers spend less for quality pieces, Happy Rock Boutique is also about helping the environment.
“A lot of times people throw clothing away,” she said. “We want to keep as much clothing out of landfills as we can, so just have that option to get something for your used clothing.”
With two daughters at home, Isetts hopes to inspire the next generation to live more sustainably—and to take chances on their dreams.
“Never wait for the right time to do something, because there’s never going to be a perfect time,” she said. “Just try to put your all into it and hopefully the community will support you and you’ll succeed.”
Happy Rock Boutique is open from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday. For Isetts’ resale process and policy, click here.
Visit the Happy Rock Boutique website or Facebook page for more information.
Click here to see last year’s Female Business Spotlight series.
