Company Spotlight: The Lush Puppy Boutique
“When I was doing all the initial searches for services when you open a retail shop, I knew one of the first things I needed to look into was insurance. It is essential to have the right type and amount of insurance for a business! I knew I wanted to keep my business local and I had heard great things about Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance - and I figured since they were right behind my shop - why not try them first. Chad Dunne was absolutely wonderful to work with. He helped me figure out the appropriate amount and type of insurance I would need for the shop, and always answered my (what I thought might be silly) questions. He was always very quick with his response and never made me feel like I couldn't ask him a question. Luckily I haven't had to "use" any of my insurance, and hopefully never will, but if I do I am positive that SFD will meet all of my expectations!” -Marcy Fauconniere, Owner
How did the Lush Puppy Boutique get started?
I opened Lush Puppy in December of 2023 and basically got into the business because of my love for pets. I have a big brown Newfoundland named Kodiak and he is at the shop with me most days --- I couldn't imagine having a job now where I couldn't have my dog with me! I came from the corporate world and just got very tired and burned out from that rat race.
What experience should customers expect when visiting your boutique?
We offer many products that you cannot find on Amazon or Chewy or the big name box stores -- that's what we wanted to specialize in! While we do carry items that are found at the big name stores (it is extremely hard to find items not on those sites) we also wanted to involve other local small businesses with our shop. We have items in the shop from local businesses such as Woofables (Coralville IA), Paws Over People, The Barkery, and LaRae Jewelry. We have also done pop-up events inside the shop with Just the Girls - another local vendor. Another thing that sets us apart is that we have "Special Events" such as nail trim clinics, we will be hosting adoption days with some of the local shelters, we will be trying Puppy Yoga -- where we have a yoga instructor hold a class in the back of our shop and we invite different shelters to bring any puppies they may have available for adoption. We are also working on having special hours for those pets who want to come and shop but are a little more afraid of other dogs or other people -- or maybe just need a personal shopper. PLUS starting in May we will have dog safe soft serve ice cream available Friday thru Sunday!
What's one of your favorite parts of being a store owner?
Marion has "big city" options being so close to Cedar Rapids, but has a small town feel. We love how active and supportive the community is for families and small businesses.
Visit the Lush Puppy Boutique at 660-A 10th Street in Marion!
