Two recent graduates from the Daniels College of Business MBA program opened a clothing boutique called “Unity” last week at 1455 South Pearl St.
Megan Smith and Sarah Hussion graduated from DU in 2006 and decided to become business partners after having known each other for three years.
“Unity” is a unisex clothing boutique located in a previously residential house, which was built in 1920. Each item in the store is priced at less than $200, which promotes a competitive advantage over other boutiques in such popular shopping areas as Cherry Creek.
Smith and Hussion believe their business is unique because it encompasses an element of social responsibility, which is evident in the several social and environmentally aware brands they carry in their store.
For example, the “Red Hens” brand donates part of its proceeds to the Cervical Cancer Foundation. The “Isda” brand donates part of its proceeds to the Women’s Fund. The “OK 47” brand is an organic clothing line. Smith and Hussion mentioned that even their fluorescent lights are energy efficient lighting.
Smith and Hussion believe DU has given them the appropriate preparation in order to facilitate a successful business.
“We would attribute any success we had to DU. It definitely gave us the resources we needed,” said Smith.
Smith and Hussion said one of the most valuable business principles they learned at DU was fluidity in the concept. The boutique’s motto is “all things need unity,” suggesting their positive outlook on today’s world. The logo is clearly recognizable, the colors of the boutique are calm and comforting, and the atmosphere is welcoming, said Hussion.
Other business principles that Smith and Hussion felt were beneficial in starting their own business were marketing techniques and skills for writing a business plan.
Smith and Hussion believe their business classes at DU were very challenging and competitive, which created an environment in which they both thrived.
“The classes I took prepared me for what I am doing today. Our philosophy is: you get out what you put in. We both got a lot out of DU,” said Smith.
Smith and Hussion divided their responsibilities according to their expertise. Smith is in charge of the finances and public relations, while Hussion works with vendors.
They created their business without any help from employees, including painting the interior of the boutique and designing coupons.
“The interesting thing about a partnership is that we have recognized it is not easy, so we tailored our job descriptions to what we’re both good at. We are also both in charge of the day-to-day activities and we both have part-time jobs. It would be nearly impossible to do it by yourself,” said Smith.
Their goals within one year are for “Unity” to be an established name in the community, to be profitable and pay off their loans.
Smith and Hussion invited representatives from local newspapers, friends, family and local business owners from across the state to attend their grand opening ceremony on March 10.
