SIUE SBDC Empowers the Entrepreneurial Journey of Amie Spangler and Rising Stars Boutique & Greek
Amie Spangler, an entrepreneur and client of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, has achieved a significant milestone in her career. In March 2024, Spangler successfully finalized the purchase of Rising Stars Boutique & Greek, a beloved local business that has been serving the community since 2003.
Spangler's journey with the Illinois SBDC for The Metro East at SIUE and director Jo Ann Di Maggio May began in late 2022. Spangler first learned about the SBDC while enrolled in a graphic design course at SIUE and through referrals from other small businesses that had previously worked with the Center. The SBDC played an important role in Spangler's success, assisting her in securing a financial loan and identifying target audiences for her business. Additionally, the SBDC connected her with various attorneys and accountants and provided valuable information about grant opportunities.
Rising Stars Boutique & Greek, a women-owned business, specializes in providing apparel for schools and offices. They also create promotional items for small businesses, customized graphic tees for seasonal holidays, and personalized bags and home décor items. Under Spangler's leadership, the boutique aims to continue its tradition of community engagement and quality service.
Spangler started working with the business in 2016 as a part time graphic designer and within a year she transitioned to a full-time role and continued until 2020 when the pandemic hit. During the pandemic, the business shifted to an online format, and following this period, the original owner offered Spangler the opportunity to purchase the business.
“SBDC is an underutilized resource that any small business would get benefit from,” Spangler said.
“The SBDC and I are so proud of all the due diligence and hard work Amie has put into Rising Stars Boutique & Greek,” says director Di Maggio May. “She is dedicated and motivated to see the company succeed and the SBDC is happy to assist in any way we can.”
Looking ahead, Spangler envisions growing her business into new areas and markets, and becoming a leading force in online commerce. Additionally, she is eager to collaborate with non-profit organizations. As of now, the merchandise can be found in three locations: Jan’s Naturals in Maryville, Blanquart’s Rusty Gem in Belleville, and Shoppes on Main in Edwardsville.
In the heart of Southwestern Illinois, Spangler's journey serves as an inspiring reminder of the resilience and spirit of small businesses, proving that with determination and support, dreams can indeed become a reality.
Rising Stars Boutique & Greek can be contacted by email at design.risingstars202@gmail.com. Follow Rising Stars & Greek @RisingStarsBoutique on social media and visit www.rsmboutique.com to shop online.
The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists entrepreneurs like Rising Stars Boutique & Greek as well as existing business owners operating in the nine-county Metro East region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. SBDC enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses.
SBDC offices in Illinois are funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement among the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a service to the community. To learn how these no-cost services may help your business venture, contact the Metro East SBDC at (618) 650-2929 or sbdcedw@gmail.com.
PHOTO: Amie Spangler at Rising Stars Boutique & Greek